Listen up! Rahul Gandhi has something to say about Net Neutrality

Rahul Gandhi, vice president of Indian National Congress, has escalated his political campaign for the much debated cause of net neutrality. He has also accused the Modi government of delaying its policy stand on it and has warned that the Digital India pitch might end up as a "surrogate for the interests of big corporations".

"Nasscom has asked for net neutrality, over 500 startup entrepreneurs are pleading for it, young in India have been demanding it, yet we have a government which under the pretext of repeated discussions has been delaying framing of a clear-cut policy on this," Rahul said in a statement which was released on Sunday.

The Gandhi scion also alleged that the NDA regime "quietly looked the other way" when telecom companies started introducing differential pricing through zero rating plans and began attempting charges for OTT (over the top) services.

These comments have come at a time when Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is soon expected to announce its decision on differential pricing for data services and Facebook's Free Basics initiative.

"Like millions of Indian, I am earnestly hoping to see a Trai report and the Modi government's commitment in favour of an open internet in its entirety where there is no ambiguity in regard to difference in pricing or VOIP," Gandhi said.

Congress leaders opine that by taking up the issue of net neutrality, Rahul Gandhi is trying to clearly associate his image with that of the entrepreneurial spirit of India's youth. He already has fought, politically, for the causes of farmers and tribals on issues like land bill and Forest Act.

"Rahul has been the first to forcefully come out in favour of free internet at a time many telecom giants are lobbying hard against it. Gandhi unflinching crusade for net neutrality will mount pressure on the Modi government's and TRAI's wishy-washy attitude on the issue," AICC chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewalla was quoted saying.

Gandhi went ahead to say that Congress has wanted internet and telecom service providers and the government to treat all data with equality.
"This is imperative for India to grow in 21st century. I sincerely hope that Trai report and Modi government will adhere to this bounden need espoused by millions of Indians," he said.

"Congress party's and my belief is shaped by our faith that Internet users should be free to connect to any website or service that they want, enabling a level-playing field on the 'world wide web'. We recognise the danger of privileging a private platform over a public Internet, introducing a new digital divide," he continued.

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