As a debate continues on 'net neutrality', the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on Wednesday alleged that TRAI was furthering the agenda of telecom operators on this issue. This happened even as the submissions received by the regulator neared 8-lakh level on the matter. The telecom sector regulator has invited public comments on a discussion paper on policy framework for net-neutrality and internet-based messaging and calling service providers such as WhatsApp, Skype, Viber and Google Talk.
"It looks like Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), in its consultation paper, has copy-pasted from submissions of telcos. The country has a robust and at times, overbearing Information Technology Act," IAMAI President Subho Ray said. IAMAI counts global as well as domestic Internet firms like Google, Facebook, Snapdeal, Ola, MakeMyTrip and Saavn as its members.
Cleartrip pulls out of Internet.Org
NEW DElHI: A day after e-commerce major Flipkart walked out from Airtel Zero, online travel services provider Cleartrip on Wednesday pulled out of Facebook- and Reliance Communications-promoted platform Internet.Org amid raging debate over Net neutrality. Stating that it is "time to draw a line in the sand" Cleartrip said on micro blogging site Twitter, it was "pulling out of Internet.Org and standing up for Net neutrality".