Categories: Business Legal

Highlights Of Watchdog Order on Discriminatory Data Pricing

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:

  • No discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content

  • No contract that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data content services

  • Internet has to be made available to large number of people without discrimination

  • No differential charges based on source, destination, application and content

  • Exception only in the case of grave emergencies

  • Tariff on exceptions need to be reported to watchdog within seven days

  • Fine of Rs.50,000 per day for each act of contravention with Rs.50-lakh cap

  • Differential pricing disadvantages small content providers

  • It creates entry barriers and and stifle innovation

  • It can turn service providers into gatekeepers

  • It goes against the freedom of speech, expression and media pluralism

  • Ruling may be reviewed after two years or earlier

  • Consultation paper evoked sizeable number of responses from individuals

  • Responses also from 15 operators, 8 associations, 42 institutions

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