Need a ‘cool headed’ debate on net neutrality: TRAI chief

Amid controversies around net neutrality, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said there is need for a debate in a ‘cool-headed’ manner.

“There has to be a democratic debate. It’s a debate that is waiting to happen. Shrill voices do not win debate. Cool-headed, reasoned arguments on both sides are the need of the hour,” Rahul Khullar, Chairman, TRAI, told reporters at a select media briefing here.

While the government is still preparing a report on the subject so that there is some clarity, TRAI has also floated consultation paper for framing rules on net neutrality and on regulation for over-the-top (OTT) services firms such as WhatsApp, Skype, Viber and GoogleTalk.

People interested in sharing their views can write to TRAI through email by April 24 and counter-comments can be made by May 8.

The debate on net neutrality heated up recently with some telecom players tying up with OTT service providers for premium services, but at nil cost to the consumers.

However, the debate saw a lot of varying views on the issue, with film stars, politicians and corporate leaders taking to the social media in a big way.

The telecom operators, however, argue that OTT firms are eating into their revenues without making investments in networks, which is key to provide connectivity to the people.

Meanwhile, the Cellular Operators of India (COAI) on Sunday reaffirmed its support to net neutrality and made a strong pitch for ‘net equality’ that will enable access to Internet for a billion Indians as part of the government’s Digital India vision.

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