TRAI has launched a brand new consultation paper on net neutrality, this time covering the topic of free data. The document is up for comments up till June 16 and counter comments till June 30.
To recall, TRAI’s previous round of consultation had evaluated the topic of differential pricing for data services. The authority had decided to ban practice, asserting that the system would put too much power into the hands of telecom service providers and organizations to decide what content a person could have access to.
While this resolves the first question TRAI had asked in its previous consultation paper, the new one focuses primarily on the second question concerned with alternative methods to provide free internet access. A number of businesses apparently told TRAI that there was a need for a TSP agnostic platform.
Such a platform would allow small-scale app developers to promote their website or service directly to consumers without any interference from gate keeping entities like network operators. TRAI is now asking concerned parties to suggest a model to allow for such a system, keeping in mind that it’s meant to benefit under-connected users and should not allow TSPs to play a biased role.
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The consultation paper puts forth a number of different examples. For instance, one model could involve a reward-based system which will grant a person a free data or voice recharge in exchange of visiting a website or downloading an app. There’s also mention of a LPG subsidy-like initiative and a toll free API.
Like we said above, you can submit your suggestions to TRAI on the net neutrality consultation paper up till June 16.