New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Highlights of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) order on discriminatory pricing of data, which has a bearing on services like Facebook's Free Basics and Airtel's Zero:
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No discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content
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No contract that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data content services
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Internet has to be made available to large number of people without discrimination
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No differential charges based on source, destination, application and content
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Exception only in the case of grave emergencies
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Tariff on exceptions need to be reported to watchdog within seven days
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Fine of Rs.50,000 per day for each act of contravention with Rs.50-lakh cap
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Differential pricing disadvantages small content providers
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It creates entry barriers and and stifle innovation
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It can turn service providers into gatekeepers
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It goes against the freedom of speech, expression and media pluralism
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Ruling may be reviewed after two years or earlier
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Consultation paper evoked sizeable number of responses from individuals
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Responses also from 15 operators, 8 associations, 42 institutions
