Nasscom bats for net neutrality

Hyderabad: Nasscom, the country’s software industry body, on Monday batted for net neutrality by opposing platforms such as Airtel Zero and Free Basics which, according to it, would violate net neutrality principles by differentiating internet access for certain types of services.

"We reiterate our firm commitment to net neutrality that guarantees users rights to unfettered choice of content and to the creation of a conducive environment for continuous innovation. We strongly oppose any model where TSPs (telecom service providers) or their partners have a say or discretion in choosing content that is made available at favourable rates, speed, etc.,” said Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar.

We recognise that in India there is an obvious need for collective, concerted and focused efforts to enable relevant content, services or access and to overcome the digital divide, he added. The industry body said it had put together its recommendations on the issue after consulting various stakeholders in addition to its members, startups and mobile app developers including leaders from Facebook as well as the Save the Internet.