BBC: India Net Neutrality Rules Could Be World’s Strongest

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India issued recommendations in strong support for net neutrality, prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal internet access for all. The recommendations are unlike efforts in the United States to reverse net neutrality rules and allow internet providers to set limits and impose differential pricing for access. Reversing the US protections will mean the wealthiest will control internet messaging, and will make the US internet less competitive. “Net neutrality means service providers must treat all traffic equally and not charge differently based on content,” explains BBC News, adding that “Users should be able to access all websites at the same speed and cost.” India’s regulations avoid two controversial topics: so-called over-top-services like Skype or WhatsApp that reduce operator phone revenues and content delivery networks and services like Netflix that rely on local cached content. Operators express concern that the new guidelines cover “the Internet of Things, a technology that connects millions of devices, from cars to light bulbs to networks and the internet, often via cellular connections.” Net neutrality will encourage innovation and competition throughout India. – YaleGlobal