The panel formed by Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to scrutinize net neutrality issue has submitted its final report to Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. The copy of the report will be published on the website for public access within few days. Another copy of it will be sent to the telecom regulator TRAI for reference.
The issue of net neutrality was raging across the country soon after Airtel launched its zero-rated plan ‘Airtel Zero’. The provider was blamed for issuing differential treatment to websites through this plan. Such an option violates net neutrality, which upheld equal treatment for all internet traffic.
"The decision (on net neutrality) will be taken by the government and the Cabinet. The government will have the benefit of both the reports namely of my department and TRAI. I would expect that report to be expedited," Prasad said.
The six-member committee was set up in January 2015.
In addition to this panel, TRAI has also collected comments from various stakeholders on the issue. However, its report is yet to be published, which is getting delayed due to its Chairman Rahul Khullar’s retirement. RS Sharma is likely to take charge as the new Chief for TRAI.
