The net neutrality issue that has been uniting netizens of India over the past few weeks will be discussed today by a parliamentary committee at a special meeting. More interestingly though, this gathering will also be attended by officials from telecom companies like Airtel, Vodafone and Idea.
These network operators will be there to present their views on the controversial issue of net neutrality. The recently appointed Standing Committee of Parliament plans on examining the topic in full detail owing to the fact that so much is being said on the subject at the moment. In fact, even a number of MPs had spoken in favor of net neutrality in Parliament during this year’s budget session.
The issue has united people from almost all political parties in India, be it BJP, the Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena or the Indian National Congress. In fact, Derek O’Brien from the TMC had called an Attention Motion in the Rajya Sabha regarding the subject of internet equality.
According to a PTI report cited by The Economic Times, O’Brien mentioned that he was glad to see Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari allowing his Calling Attention Motion earlier this month. He also said that he hopes the government will see ‘some sense’ and not consider the TRAI consultation paper.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had triggered the net neutrality issue by releasing a consultation paper which suggested that net neutrality could end in India. The government has made it clear that no decision has been taken on the matter yet, and has also promised to ensure ‘non-discriminatory access to internet’ to all citizens.
Also Read: The net neutrality debate: Should OTTs require licenses or not?
Let us now see how today’s meeting between the Parliamentary Committee and India’s premier telecom operators goes.