This refers to the editorial, “Triumph of Net neutrality” (February 11). The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's ruling against differential pricing for Internet services is a welcome endorsement that will safeguard the Internet against platform monopolies like Free Basics which is an anti-competitive, predatory business strategy that risks creating a digital divide by skewing the playing field in favour of applications and services that enjoy privileged pricing.
The telecom regulator must be applauded for putting an enabling telecom regime in place by removing bottlenecks in the system and encouraging a level-playing field for all stakeholders. Platform services and zero-rated products may masquerade as this policy will narrow the digital divide. Differential pricing was not only discriminatory in essence, but was also contrary to the interests of innovators and small entrepreneurs. Net neutrality is an imperative for the Government to further its Digital India initiative and for the citizens to reap the benefits of a diverse Internet.