As Gandhiji said, “Let each do his duty. If I do my duty, that
is, serve myself, I shall be able to serve others.”
So, if we are not getting something that we should, then
we have to work for it and stand for our right, take actions towards getting
it. Well, generally every individual has different point of views, different
perspectives of analyzing things. What we see as a pro, the other person may
see it as a con. If half of the population would fight for net neutrality,
others may stand against it.
The other day, I was reading an argument against net
neutrality which mentioned that “ ISPs (Internet Service Providers) generally
want to prevent illegal file swapping over their networks, both due to the
legal issues and for basically the same bandwidth reasons”
So, if they really want to prevent illegal file swapping
they could take more actions towards it rather than just declining the service
for everyone else. All content on the internet
is equal, all accessible at the speed you’re paying for. Once you have an
internet connection, you must get the right to access almost every single thing
on the internet. But Telecom operators in country want to change that. They
have approached the TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) to be allowed
to provide differential internet access to users all over the country. Which means, that above the amount you
pay for your internet connection, you will have to pay money to access
different websites and apps. And if you don’t pay up, your internet connection
will be slowed down and at worst, you will be denied access to the content
altogether. Which is nowhere a fair deal with the users.
Now, to further continue this debate
let me tell you that what actually, net neutrality is? And what are we debating
for?
What is net neutrality?
Net Neutrality is the
Internet’s guiding principle: It preserves our right to communicate freely
online. This is the definition of an open Internet.
From Wiki:
Net neutrality is the principle that
ISP’s and Government should treat all the data equally. There will be no
discrimination between two sites, or no website would be favored over other.
Net neutrality implies that
all internet data pack should be treated equally. Also, that there should be no fast or slow lanes for Internet,
or that users should pay differently for accessing some websites.
Net Neutrality means an Internet
that enables and protects free speech. It means that Internet service providers
should provide us with open networks — and should not block or discriminate
against any applications or content that ride over those networks. Just as your
mobile service provide shouldn't decide who you can call and what you say on
that call, your ISP shouldn't be concerned with the content you view or post
online.
Who’s attacking net neutrality?
Net Neutrality opponents are
working everywhere from Congress to the courts to dismantle or undermine the
FCC’s Title II classification. In the wake of the February ruling, 10 lawsuits
designed to gut Net Neutrality have been filed (Free Press has jumped in to defend the rules) and
legislators have introduced numerous deceptive bills that would demolish these protections.
Though apart from normal
users just like you and me, there are several others for whom net neutrality is
important.Net Neutrality is crucial for small business owners, startups and
entrepreneurs, who rely on the open Internet to launch their businesses, create
a market, advertise their products and services, and distribute products to
customers. We need the open Internet to foster job growth, competition and
innovation.
But the main problem with
our country is that a layman would never stand for his right even if he sees
something is not right. Ours is a country where discrimination has
played a major role since early ages till today. On one hand we talk about
digital India and Internet.org and on the other we don’t even have the right to
access what we pay for. Why?
This is probably because we, as citizens of
India do not take actions. And even if we do, we have to compromise because of
the one’s involved in decision making.
In countries other than India, they have free
Wi-Fi access all over and In India we don’t even have the access for what we
pay.
Discriminatory pricing proposals are what
activists fear could take place if India abandons its stand on Net Neutrality,
and users will be the one to suffer.
It’s not about being traitorous and judging the country
but the point is every one of us should take actions towards this and help change
the picture of India. It is fair to argue that Net Neutrality has helped
preserve the Internet’s free and open character in India and that a deviation
from the same will hurt users the most. We in India brag about our rights but
not to forget we need to provide Internet access to more of our citizens especially
those who can’t afford it.