Issuing the 'Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations, 2016' that bars service providers from offerring or charging discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content, TRAI said it would levy a penalty of Rs 50,000 per day on companies violating the rule.
Announcing the final guidelines on differential pricing, TRAI said that "No service provider shall enter into any arrangement or contract that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data services."
This statement/rule, which comes amid the debate of net neutrality in the country, will come into immediate and will be renewed every two years.
"Prohibition of discriminatory tariff is necessary to ensure that service providers continue to fulfill obligations in keeping internet open and non-discriminatory," TRAI said.
Sounding a strong warning, TRAI said no service provider shall enter into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever name called, with any person, natural or legal, that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data services being offered or charged to the consumer on the basis of content.
Any company violating the law will be fine a penalty of Rs 50,000 per day, TRAI said.
"By way of financial disincentive, an amount of rupees fifty thousand for each day of contravention, subject to a maximum of rupees fifty lakh," TRAI said in the press statement.
This means that facilities such as Airtel Zero and Facebook's Free Basics will not be allowed in the country.
The telecom apex body however ruled that a service provider may reduce tariff for accessing or providing emergency services.
No comments:
Post a Comment