During TRAI’s Open House Discussion on Quality of Services, MediaNama, led by net neutrality campaigner Nikhil Pahwa, critiqued the telecom regulator's handling of network slicing proposals, highlighting risks to India’s celebrated net neutrality framework and digital economy.
- Network slicing could violate India’s net neutrality principles
- Past operator actions illustrate risks of service prioritization
- Calls for TRAI transparency and broader net neutrality consultation
What happened
At a recent Open House Discussion by India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) focusing on Quality of Services, MediaNama provided detailed comments on the implications of network slicing within telecom networks. The discussion comes amid telecom industry interests, particularly from Reliance Jio, advocating for service-specific network slices, which could allow prioritization of certain internet services over others.
Nikhil Pahwa, founder of MediaNama and a prominent net neutrality advocate, expressed surprise that network slicing was being considered as part of a quality-of-service regulation rather than within a comprehensive net neutrality framework. MediaNama also highlighted a history of telecom operators manipulating internet service quality and pricing, citing Airtel’s past throttle and zero-rating practices as precedents that challenge consumer neutrality.
Why it matters
India is recognized globally for establishing one of the strongest net neutrality regimes, vital for ensuring equal treatment of all internet traffic and protecting consumer choice. Allowing network slicing to enable service-specific prioritization risks undermining this equilibrium, potentially granting telecom providers gatekeeper control rather than neutral internet access.
The neutrality of network slices also affects startups and digital businesses that depend on a predictable and fair internet environment. With the digital economy’s growing intricacies—especially amid emerging AI technologies—a neutral and open internet infrastructure is critical to sustainable innovation and inclusive growth.
What to watch next
Key developments will include whether TRAI proceeds with a formal consultation paper on net neutrality addressing network slicing and whether it enhances transparency regarding its engagements with telecom operators. MediaNama has already filed an RTI requesting disclosure of TRAI’s communications with Reliance Jio but received limited information, prompting an appeal.
Observers should monitor TRAI’s regulatory approach to ensure it maintains neutrality and consumer interests in the digital economy. The regulator’s stance on network slicing will be pivotal in shaping India’s internet governance and potentially setting precedents for balancing quality of service with net neutrality protections.