Net neutrality debate rages on; expert panel report by mid-May

Amid a raging debate over equal Internet access, the government today said an expert panel is looking into net neutrality issues and a report is expected by mid-May even as anti-trust watchdog CCI might launch a probe into the matter.
As telecom operators, start-ups, politicians and film stars join the debate, social media is abuzz with diverse opinions over net neutrality.
Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said an expert panel set up by him back in January would submit its report on net neutrality issues by the second week of May to help the government make an informed decision on the issue.

"... Way back in January itself, I have also constituted a committee headed by senior government officials of the Telecom Ministry to give me a report on the whole gamut of net neutrality objective, its benefits, advantages and limitations including regulatory and technical issues," the Minister said.
Telecom regulator TRAI is also looking into the issue.
Net neutrality implies equal treatment to all Internet traffic and any priority given to an application or company on payment basis is seen as violating the concept.

Sparking off the debate, telecom major Bharti Airtel launched its 'Airtel Zero' marketing platform -- where certain apps are available for free with charges borne by app makers.

Many free Internet advocates and start-ups feel that Airtel's platform could even "lead to monopolisation by a few and squeeze out the small companies".
Amid rising concerns over net neutrality, the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is having a close look at the matter and might launch a probe if it finds prima facie evidence of unfair business practices.
Airtel itself has defended its move saying the initiative would be a 'win-win' for customers and marketers alike.
Coming out in support of initiatives like that of Airtel, e-commerce major Flipkart.Com's founder Sachin Bansal, tweeted, "when foreign companies do it in India - innovation. Indians do it - violation".