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India's telecom watchdog proposes rules in favor of net neutrality

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, or TRAI, released recommendations Nov. 28 that support the implementation of a net neutrality framework in the country, after more than a year of consultations on the matter.

TRAI recommended prohibiting internet service companies from imposing "any sort of discrimination in internet access," such as throttling data access speeds or granting "preferential speeds or treatment" to any content online. Such restrictions would also cover internet-of-things service providers.

The watchdog also recommends requiring service providers to reveal their practices in managing internet data traffic.

Furthermore, TRAI prescribed the creation of a body that would monitor and probe net neutrality violations. Such a body would be composed of representatives from telecom operators, internet service providers, content providers, academics and researchers, civil society and consumers.

The watchdog suggested exempting content delivery networks, "critical IoT services" and "specialized services" from the net neutrality prohibitions.

In February 2016, TRAI issued a new rule that prohibits internet service providers from offering or charging discriminatory data service tariffs based on the content accessed by consumers.

The ruling effectively banned Facebook Inc.'s Free Basics project, a partnership with India's Reliance Communications Ltd. that offers zero-rated internet services, as well as a similar service by Bharti Airtel Ltd. called Airtel Zero. RCom eventually halted Free Basics after a request from TRAI.