Telecom regulator TRAI said it would give its views on differential pricing for data services next week, even as the feud between telecom companies and internet activists continued to rage on Thursday.

In a packed hall during an open house discussion, telecom companies and Facebook representatives pressed for allowing differential pricing for data, while net neutrality activists opposed such a move.

TRAI and the social networking giant have been involved in a war of words over differential pricing.

However, the regulator said Thursday’s discussion was “fruitful”. Among those who participated were telecom service providers, consumer rights group, industry bodies and individuals.

“I think it was a very lively consultation, the hall was full, lot of people participated and gave their views, comments, thoughts and I think we will take all these into account. We hope that by the end of this month, we will come out with our position,” RS Sharma, Chairman, TRAI, told reporters after the discussion.

According to the regulator, the campaign by Facebook to defend its free internet platform (Free Basics) in India is ‘wholly misplaced’ as the consultation paper is on ‘differential pricing for data services’, not on any particular product or service.

Free Basics debate Telecom operators said differential pricing for data was necessary for telecom growth, while net neutrality activists continued to oppose such a regime, saying it would amount to curbs on freedom of choice.

When asked if TRAI would come out with a consultation paper on Internet soon, Sharma said, “I cannot at this point of time say what TRAI can do in future on the larger issue of net neutrality, but we will certainly take a call.”

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