Highlights of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) order on discriminatory pricing of data, which has a bearing on services like Facebook's Free Basics and Airtel's Zero:
- No discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content
- No contract that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data content services
- Internet has to be made available to large number of people without discrimination
- No differential charges based on source, destination, application and content
- Exception only in the case of grave emergencies
- Tariff on exceptions need to be reported to watchdog within seven days
- Fine of Rs.50,000 per day for each act of contravention with Rs.50-lakh cap
- Differential pricing disadvantages small content providers
- It creates entry barriers and and stifle innovation
- It can turn service providers into gatekeepers
- It goes against the freedom of speech, expression and media pluralism
- Ruling may be reviewed after two years or earlier
- Consultation paper evoked sizeable number of responses from individuals
- Responses also from 15 operators, 8 associations, 42 institutions