DoT upholds net neutrality in India, releases the much awaited report

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released its final report on net neutrality.

The report recommends that the core principles of net neutrality must be adhered to. User rights on the internet need to be ensured so that operators and internet service providers (ISPs) do not restrict the ability of the user to send, receive, display, use, post any legal content, application or service on the internet, or restrict any kind of lawful internet activity or use.

The report says that specific over the top (OTT) content communication messaging services like WhatsApp should not be interfered with through regulatory instruments. Also, a liberal approach may be adopted in case of OTT voice over internet protocol (VoIP) international calling services. However, in case of domestic calls (local and national), communication services by operators and OTT communication services may be treated similarly from a regulatory angle.

The report also says that legitimate traffic management practices may be allowed but should be tested against the core principles of net neutrality. It further adds that tariff plans offered by operators and ISPs must conform to the principles of net neutrality set forth in the guidelines issued by the government as licensor. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will examine the tariff plans as well.