Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Wednesday released a consultation paper on the issue of differential pricing for data services.

This could be another aspect of net neutrality, which the sector regulator is working on. The regulator has sought comments from stakeholders on issues including allowing differential pricing for data usage for accessing different websites, applications or platforms.

The regulatory guidelines till now on discrimination and transparency in tariff offers were more focused to address the regulatory concerns in voice telephony, it said.

TRAI said that it has come to its notice that some service providers are offering differential data tariff with free or discounted rates for some contents of certain websites, applications and platforms. It has sought comment on if differential pricing for data usage is permitted, what measures should be adopted to ensure that the principles of non-discrimination, transparency, affordable Internet access, competition and market entry and innovation are addressed.

Also, are there alternative methods, technologies, business models, other than differentiated tariff plans, available to achieve the objective of providing free internet access to the consumers, it said.

The regulator would take a decision on the subject matter after considering the views of the stakeholders by December 30 and written counter comments may be sent by January 7, it added.

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