Net Neutrality: Telecom Operators Claim Support of 4 Million Subscribers

Advertisement
By Indo-Asian News Service | Updated: 4 May 2015 10:50 IST
Net Neutrality: Telecom Operators Claim Support of 4 Million Subscribers
Four million mobile subscribers have supported COAI's campaign favouring net neutrality for Internet-based communication services like WhatsApp and Skype and their being subject to norms similar to those applying to mobile phone operators, the apex body of cellular operators said on Sunday.

"Sabka Internet, Sab ka Vikas - the campaign for net neutrality, net equality and consumer choice, has received support from over 40 lakh Indian mobile users in under a week," the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said in a statement.

"The entire mobile number database of supporters is auditable on request by the appropriate agency," it added.

Launched last week, "Sabka Internet, Sab ka Vikas", a campaign about making the Internet accessible and affordable for every Indian, seeks a level playing field with net-based services like Skype and WhatsApp.

The industry body said if the telecom operators are not offered a level playing field with net-based services, then their businesses would be viable only by raising data prices by up to six times.

Advertisement

It comes against the backdrop of the debate over net neutrality and allegations that telecom operators are hurting the concept of free Internet access by giving preferential treatment to a select few service providers.

"COAI started the outreach effort to ensure that mobile customers have the freedom to benefit from the power of the Internet in the way they would wish to, including the choice of platform, device and technology," said COAI director general Rajan S. Mathews.

Advertisement

The net neutrality principle came into focus in India following mobile operator Airtel's launch of an open marketing platform 'Airtel Zero', and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's consultation paper on whether telecom firms could be allowed to charge different rates for different uses of Internet data such as email, browsing and for use of OTT apps like WhatsApp, Viber and Skype.

 

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who'sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.

Further reading: Internet, Net Neutrality, Telecom
Advertisement

Related Stories

Popular Mobile Brands
  1. OTT Releases This Week: Mandala Murders, Ronth, Rangeen, and More
  2. Amazon Great Freedom Festival 2025 Sale to Kick Off in India on This Date
  3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7, Watch 8 Series Go on Sale in India
  4. These Motorola Phones Will Get Android 16 as Their Final OS Update
  5. Redmi Note 14 SE 5G to Launch in India on July 28 With These Features
  6. Realme 15 Pro 5G Launched in India Alongside Realme 15 5G: Price, Features
  7. Apple Launches Online Tool to Create Custom Wallpapers With Its Logo
  8. Honor Pad X7 With 8.7-Inch Display and Snapdragon 680 SoC Launched
  9. Lava Blaze Dragon 5G Launched in India With Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC
  1. Lava Blaze Dragon 5G Launched in India With Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 SoC, 50-Megapixel Rear Camera
  2. Honor Pad X7 With Snapdragon 680 SoC, 7,020mAh Battery Launched: Price, Specifications
  3. Google Brings a Native Media Player in Gemini Mobile App, Lets Users Play Audio Overviews
  4. Poco India Head Himanshu Tandon Departs Firm, Could Join Carl-Pei Led Nothing: Report
  5. Apple Launches Online Tool to Create Custom Wallpapers With Its Logo
  6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Galaxy Watch 8 Series Sale Begins in India: Price, Availability
  7. Oppo Reno 14 5G Now Available in India in New Mint Green Colour Option
  8. Google Releases Web Guide Experimental Feature in Search, Uses AI to Organise Search Results Page
  9. Battlefield 6 Unveiled With First Look at Campaign, Multiplayer Reveal Event Set for July 31
  10. Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra Tipped to Offer a Higher Capacity Battery and Faster Charging
Gadgets 360 is available in
Download Our Apps
Available in Hindi
© Copyright Red Pixels Ventures Limited 2025. All rights reserved.