Idea TRAI Net Neutrality order: Now Idea 4G packages under scanner

Technoglitch

Technoglitch

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The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) regulation on differential tariffs, which came into force from February 8, has thrown operators like Vodafone India and Idea Cellular into a tizzy. These operators do not have an operator-agnostic application like Bharti Airtel’s Wynk for movie and music downloads, but have tie-ups with Hungama Play exclusively for their subscribers, where subscription charges are waived off for the first three months.

While any such differential tariff-like package, which was already in force, can continue for a maximum of six months according to TRAI’s direction, Vodafone has launched such packages in two circles — Mumbai and Bangalore — after the new regulation was announced — on February 10 and 11, respectively.

The package waives off subscription charges for downloading movies/songs from Hungama Play though data charges will apply. Vodafone’s contention is that the package does not violate differential tariff as unlike Wynk, it is exclusively for Vodafone subscribers and therefore, very much within the parameters of TRAI’s regulation. However, the company concedes that it is a grey area and lacks clarity, so it will seek clarity from the regulator.

TRAI Net Neutrality order: Now Vodafone, Idea 4G packages under scanner | The Indian Express
 
Technoglitch

Technoglitch

Core Member
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However, Trai officials said that the packages by Vodafone and Idea, though distinct from Wynk, violate differential tariff regulations. According to Trai, anything that’s available on the internet cannot have differential tariff. “Though the packages in question are exclusively for the subscribers of the service provider, any other subscriber can also access the same via the Net but will have to pay subscription charge whereas a Vodafone subscriber will not, so there’s discrimination,” an official said.

The option, therefore available before the operators, is to buy such movies/songs from the content provider, store it on their server and offer only to their subscribers through some closed communication network. This way, they are free to provide it for free if they want.

Vodafone, Idea Cellular 4G packages to come under Trai lens | The Financial Express
 
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