Telecom minister says govt backs non-discriminatory Internet access

Telecom minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that the government would soon come out with a stand on net neutrality and said the government stood for “non-discriminatory” access to all net users.

“The government stands for ensuring non-discriminatory access to Internet for all citizens of the country,” Prasad said.

“It is committed to the fundamental principles and concept of net neutrality, keeping the internet accessible and available to all without discrimination,” he said.

The minister added that a final decision on net neutrality will be taken by the government. “Whatever be the outcome of the consultation paper (of Trai) the decision will be taken by government,” he informed the Rajya Sabha. “Current debate on net neutrality should be seen from this perspective... while resolving the issue harmoniously and consistently with constitutional principles,” he said.

A six-member panel of the department of telecommunications (DoT) is also conducting a study on the issue and is likely to submit its report by mid-May.

The massive debate on the net’s neutrality was triggered when telecom regulator Trai invited comments from users and companies on a model of internet access which would give preferential access to sites.