The internet in India is at a pivotal juncture, and the decisions made now will influence how we use and access it for years to come. Major telecom companies, including Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea, have requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to introduce a "network usage fee" for Over-The-Top (OTT) services, such as streaming platforms and messaging apps. They propose charging fees based on factors like traffic and user numbers. This proposal has sparked a vigorous debate on the principles of net neutrality.
Net neutrality means that the internet should treat all data equally, regardless of its source, content, or type of service. This ensures that the internet remains an open and level playing field for everyone.
Telecom companies argue that since streaming services use a significant bandwidth, they need to compensate them. While many tech experts have shared their concern that this will give the telecom companies power to discriminate. This might also put extra burden on internet users like you in terms of increased costs.
Now, it's your chance to have a say on this vital issue. Participate in our survey to share your thoughts on net neutrality and the proposed "network usage fee" for OTT services. Take this survey and your decision will help the Government decide if the telecom companies can charge extra for OTT platforms.
