There's no such thing as net neutrality in India. The telecos already make deals with Google, Facebook and the likes to deliver their services free of cost to the subscribers. Despite there being no legal framework to check the same, the ISPs haven't breached anything as of yet though. I think the reason was they were experiencing huge growths. Once the market has settled down though, can't trust these companies much.
It's like Mafia. They go after the app which is doing the most business.
You do have a bit of cartelisation. Recently almost all the telcos increased their prepaid pack prices (including 3G data AFAIR) at the same time so that no one would be questioned/go for a loss. Read an article on the same on TelecomTalk.
Talking of incorrect billings we had an outstanding bill of about 30k BSaNaL landline telephone. After lodging complaints the bill decreased to 25k. I still have no idea how. We completely stopped using it. Didn't pay the bill either. Its been 4-5 years now.
Bulk of their subscribers or an important part uses those services. ISP's (airtel is one) will even offer cut rates internet access for facebook. Is this bad ? if one is prepared to limit themselves to one website then its customers choice. They are not forcing you to do this. Besides you can still access any other website out there that allows a connection from India.
Right now its in the talks stage. They are testing the waters. What are the chances of them getting their way ? cannot think of any precedent. To do this will set a precedent.
Noticed you used the term 'cartel' in another post. Is it possible to have a cartel when the biggest ISP or one with the widest reach is still govt controlled. The govt can do crazy things if it means votes, companies are usually nervous about the govt in India. think about retroactive taxation and vodafone. Surprsingly, the present govt with all of its mandate did not repeal this policy, merely promised it would not happen again. Right now, the amount of people using the net is increasing at double digit rates. Pissing people off in the future will be harder. At the same time building networks to scale for this need will only happen if there is a profit incentive. Otherwise its better to invest elsewhere in the world see airtel in Africa, who is looking to sell some of its stake there.
