Net Neutrality Report

Since 1998, internet services are being provided in India, but whenever the internet service providers (ISPs) tried to pass on the technological benefits to the consumers, the incumbent telecom service providers (TSPs) would come in their way, always. These TSPs, with deep pockets, somehow always had managed the support of regulator & policy makers in the government. As a result, consumers are yet to get the full advantage of the cheap internet telephony within the country.

Normal voice calls are transmitted over dedicated channels and hence they are costlier. But, the technology permits transmitting of voice over internet (VoIP) in small packets on shared channels, and the voice quality may not be as good, but it is much cheaper. Instead of adopting VoIP as an option and making it available to the consumers, the incumbent TSPs always oppose it. As a result, the consumers do not get it – neither through incumbent TSPs nor through ISPs.