Net Neutrality in India

[Sithara007]

Aritel got a big blow when Flipkart, India's one of the biggest of e-commerce site, pulled out of Net Zero. Read the article:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/flipkart-pulls-out-of-airtels-net-neutrality-violating-airtel-zero/articleshow/46916966.cms

[1715135918]

1715135918

[1715135918]

1715135918

[1715135918]

1715135918

[1715135918]

1715135918

[panju1]

The results of the telecom companies, which will be driven to bankruptcy if net neutrality is imposed, have been released.

http://in.reuters.com/article/2015/04/28/bharti-airtel-results-idINKBN0NJ1L420150428

Idea, which posted a 60 percent rise in quarterly profit on Tuesday, recorded a monthly average revenue per user (ARPU) among its 33.4 million data customers of 150 rupees ($2.38), up from 104 rupees a year ago.

Separately, Bharti, which posted a 30.5 percent rise in profit for the quarter ended March 31, saw its mobile data ARPU rise by 43 rupees to 173 rupees.

[torrentheaven]

In India you won't get better speed in metro as well as non metro cities. And internet charges in India are very much more as compared to other countries. People are willing to pay even more but still nothing in return but nobody will afford to compromise on the quality and services.

[umaOuma]

The Internet Service Providers in India are not upto the mark. They charge you more and in return the speed of internet is below the level. Mr Modi is announcing some big projects everyday but its not a helping a common men richer are getting more richer and poor are getting more poorer.

[erikalui]

Flipkart refused this offer and now only Internet.org is trying to make Facebook free to access on all devices. I open a website like Google and it consumes 250-300 KB and if I don't have an internet plan, it consumes almost Rs. 100 ($2) of my balance.

Talking about internet plans, the rates are ridiculous. I have a connection of $12 and get a speed of 152 KBPS from Tata Photon and most services like BSNL offer $10 for 512 KBPS speed but their connection drops often. With $25, you can get a max speed of 1 MBPS unlimited internet but not more than that. I have seen other countries paying way less than Indian ISPs.

[Muhammed Zakir]

Flipkart refused this offer and now only Internet.org is trying to make Facebook free to access on all devices. I open a website like Google and it consumes 250-300 KB and if I don't have an internet plan, it consumes almost Rs. 100 ($2) of my balance.

Talking about internet plans, the rates are ridiculous. I have a connection of $12 and get a speed of 152 KBPS from Tata Photon and most services like BSNL offer $10 for 512 KBPS speed but their connection drops often. With $25, you can get a max speed of 1 MBPS unlimited internet but not more than that. I have seen other countries paying way less than Indian ISPs.

True. Indian ISPs charge higher amount.

IMHO you should change to MTS or BSNL. From my experience, MTS was better than BSNL. Others especially !DEA, are worse. Use 'em, if you have no other choice. In different countries, experience might be different. I am from South India, btw. Whatever you choose, !DEA is one if the worst and BSNL is one of the best.

[zendantom]

I don't think it will really work in India. As everyone knows that Indian Govt is very corrupted So you can't just blame the the service provider companies Govt is also equally responsible. People are simply cheated by this companies they are paying more and not getting good services in return.

[erikalui]

True. Indian ISPs charge higher amount.

IMHO you should change to MTS or BSNL. From my experience, MTS was better than BSNL. Others especially !DEA, are worse. Use 'em, if you have no other choice. In different countries, experience might be different. I am from South India, btw. Whatever you choose, !DEA is one if the worst and BSNL is one of the best.

My friend who has BSNL has said that she faced an internet downtime for more than a week while this has never been the case with Tata Photon as there has always been an internet connection (whether it's slow or fast). MTS is banned from my city (Mumbai).

[Muhammed Zakir]

I don't think it will really work in India. As everyone knows that Indian Govt is very corrupted So you can't just blame the the service provider companies Govt is also equally responsible. People are simply cheated by this companies they are paying more and not getting good services in return.

Indian Government isn't corrupted like you think. Maybe, you said it isn't good as other countries but corrupted is not the word to use there. Besides, it is developing not developed. So wait... Anyway, I don't have enough trust/faith in Modi's government. Fame is increasing but fame is not the thing I/we want.

What you said is not true. Government is never *equally* responsible. BSNL's verification and other things are faster than others. It's true and as Government give higher privilege to BSNL which I think most countries does the same, other ISPs charge higher amount. But Cost alone is not the problem. ISPs especially !DEA charges high amount and use way too high traffic.

True. Indian ISPs charge higher amount.

IMHO you should change to MTS or BSNL. From my experience, MTS was better than BSNL. Others especially !DEA, are worse. Use 'em, if you have no other choice. In different countries, experience might be different. I am from South India, btw. Whatever you choose, !DEA is one if the worst and BSNL is one of the best.

My friend who has BSNL has said that she faced an internet downtime for more than a week while this has never been the case with Tata Photon as there has always been an internet connection (whether it's slow or fast). MTS is banned from my city (Mumbai).

Maybe, the service in Mumbai is worse than service in my place? I had no problem like this when I used BSNL. Sad, MTS is banned. Any specific reason? I believe they stopped their service in Mumbai and few other places but didn't know it was a ban. Are you sure about it?

[erikalui]

Indian Government isn't corrupted like you think. Maybe, you said it isn't good as other countries but corrupted is not the word to use there. Besides, it is developing not developed. So wait... Anyway, I don't have enough trust/faith in Modi's government. Fame is increasing but fame is not the thing I/we want.

What you said is not true. Government is never *equally* responsible. BSNL's verification and other things are faster than others. It's true and as Government give higher privilege to BSNL which I think most countries does the same, other ISPs charge higher amount. But Cost alone is not the problem. ISPs especially !DEA charges high amount and use way too high traffic.

I don't agree with this as my mom who is a lawyer is aware of the corrupt system. She hasn't met even one honest person in the ministry. They always ask for money under the table (no matter how rich they are). Modi has made many promises of which nothing has been fulfilled till date and the prices have only increased.


May be with regards to the internet, it's not the corruption that's a hurdle but the prices are definitely affected due to taxes charged. For an internet connection of Rs. 650, I pay Rs. 730 (Rs. 80 tax 12.5%) and now I expect the price to get doubled soon. If Net Neutrality is successful, I can only see a positive change for us. I mainly access Facebook and Twitter but the data charges are high. Only Reliance has made it free to access as of now.

Maybe, the service in Mumbai is worse than service in my place? I had no problem like this when I used BSNL. Sad, MTS is banned. Any specific reason? I believe they stopped their service in Mumbai and few other places but didn't know it was a ban. Are you sure about it?

J&K also has the same experience with regards to BSNL. MTS and Uninor was banned due to the 2G Scam and I guess many others too were affected. Vodafone and Airtel managed to pay the amount required but not MTS and Uninor.

[Muhammed Zakir]

I don't agree with this as my mom who is a lawyer is aware of the corrupt system. She hasn't met even one honest person in the ministry. They always ask for money under the table (no matter how rich they are). Modi has made many promises of which nothing has been fulfilled till date and the prices have only increased.

Frankly, I never liked Modi's government. I think he has some hidden plans. He is trying to change democratic country to Hindu country.

May be with regards to the internet, it's not the corruption that's a hurdle but the prices are definitely affected due to taxes charged. For an internet connection of Rs. 650, I pay Rs. 730 (Rs. 80 tax 12.5%) and now I expect the price to get doubled soon. If Net Neutrality is successful, I can only see a positive change for us. I mainly access Facebook and Twitter but the data charges are high. Only Reliance has made it free to access as of now.

True. One of the !DEA ad: "Recharge with ₹xxx and get free access to WhatsApp and Facebook(or Viber)."

J&K also has the same experience with regards to BSNL. MTS and Uninor was banned due to the 2G Scam and I guess many others too were affected. Vodafone and Airtel managed to pay the amount required but not MTS and Uninor.

MTS and Uninor are existing only because of their less costly internet and message offers. Here, MTS is still running because of internet but Uninor is (likely) gone.

[Xenoph0bia]

Indian Government isn't corrupted like you think. Maybe, you said it isn't good as other countries but corrupted is not the word to use there. Besides, it is developing not developed. So wait... Anyway, I don't have enough trust/faith in Modi's government. Fame is increasing but fame is not the thing I/we want.

What you said is not true. Government is never *equally* responsible. BSNL's verification and other things are faster than others. It's true and as Government give higher privilege to BSNL which I think most countries does the same, other ISPs charge higher amount. But Cost alone is not the problem. ISPs especially !DEA charges high amount and use way too high traffic.

I don't agree with this as my mom who is a lawyer is aware of the corrupt system. She hasn't met even one honest person in the ministry. They always ask for money under the table (no matter how rich they are). Modi has made many promises of which nothing has been fulfilled till date and the prices have only increased.


May be with regards to the internet, it's not the corruption that's a hurdle but the prices are definitely affected due to taxes charged. For an internet connection of Rs. 650, I pay Rs. 730 (Rs. 80 tax 12.5%) and now I expect the price to get doubled soon. If Net Neutrality is successful, I can only see a positive change for us. I mainly access Facebook and Twitter but the data charges are high. Only Reliance has made it free to access as of now.

Maybe, the service in Mumbai is worse than service in my place? I had no problem like this when I used BSNL. Sad, MTS is banned. Any specific reason? I believe they stopped their service in Mumbai and few other places but didn't know it was a ban. Are you sure about it?

J&K also has the same experience with regards to BSNL. MTS and Uninor was banned due to the 2G Scam and I guess many others too were affected. Vodafone and Airtel managed to pay the amount required but not MTS and Uninor.

So what you think What's the exact word you need to say for Indian Government?? It its not Corrrupted then should we believe that they are Criminals?? Many of Indian Politicians are involved in Criminal Cases so this word justifies them really well.. I think You belong to political community thats why you are favoring bloody politicians.
So What you think dude?? Is

[panju1]

I don't agree with this as my mom who is a lawyer is aware of the corrupt system. She hasn't met even one honest person in the ministry. They always ask for money under the table (no matter how rich they are). Modi has made many promises of which nothing has been fulfilled till date and the prices have only increased.

Frankly, I never liked Modi's government. I think he has some hidden plans. He is trying to change democratic country to Hindu country.

Nope. That is just fear mongering by the Congress.
I think you are trying to say "He is trying to change democratic secular country to Hindu country"

[bryant.coleman]

Frankly, I never liked Modi's government. I think he has some hidden plans. He is trying to change democratic country to Hindu country.

That depends upon the individual opinion. During the last UPA government, they undertook many measures to favor the Muslims and Christians. Two years ago, I happened to visit Southern India on a vacation. I was visiting a few beaches and resorts in the province of Kerala.

Kerala is one of the regions with a Hindu minority in India. According to the official census, Hindus are some 55% of the population. But in reality only 15% to 20% is Hindu, as the remaining has converted to other religions. These people input "Hindu" in census forms, only to obtain the quota benefits which are given to lower castes.

I was there for a few weeks, and it was very clear that the (real) Hindus constituted an oppressed class, with the Christians dominating every sphere. There is some discrimination against the Muslims also, but they are mostly tolerated by the Christians. Even I got lucky in many places, due to my Christian-sounding name. And now comes the interesting part. The UPA government introduced "minority scholarships" for students from the Christian and Muslim communities, amounting to some $30 per month (which is a big amount in Kerala). The real minority (Hindus) is left with nothing.

Another interesting scenario is from the province of UP, where the chief minister there promised to give $2,000 to every Muslim girl of marriageable age (only to Muslims, nothing for the Hindus). And also in the state of Bengal, there is a $100 per month stipend for Muslim clerics, while many of the Hindu priests are starving. Remember that all this is from tax payer money.

During the UPA government, although Manmohan Sngh was the nominal head of the state, every single decision was taken by Sonia Maino, who is a Roman Catholic. She had a closed ring of associates, selected from the Roman Catholic community, who effectively ran the country (including Margaret Alva, AK Anthony, Oscar Fernandes, YSR Reddy.etc).

With such blatant discrimination perpetrated by the UPA, how can you blame Modi for hidden plans? Did he introduced any such plans for Hindu students?

[operrajunk74]

Modi's Government did not perform as per the expectation level The Promises made by Modi Pre Elections were not fulfilled. But the thing is After Modi got Elected as a PM Inflation rates has increased much more which resulted in paying more for the products which includes internet too.

[Muhammed Zakir]

That depends upon the individual opinion.

True.

During the last UPA government, they undertook many measures to favor the Muslims and Christians. Two years ago, I happened to visit Southern India on a vacation. I was visiting a few beaches and resorts in the province of Kerala.

We could have meet or did we?

Kerala is one of the regions with a Hindu minority in India. According to the official census, Hindus are some 55% of the population. But in reality only 15% to 20% is Hindu, as the remaining has converted to other religions. These people input "Hindu" in census forms, only to obtain the quota benefits which are given to lower castes.

I don't think that is correct. If you went to southern part, Hindus are high. Sadly, I think some of them even have an election ID or any other. I don't know how you come up with that, maybe you visited places where Muslims or Christians are high?

I was there for a few weeks, and it was very clear that the (real) Hindus constituted an oppressed class, with the Christians dominating every sphere. There is some discrimination against the Muslims also, but they are mostly tolerated by the Christians. Even I got lucky in many places, due to my Christian-sounding name.

Are you talking about exceptional cases or in general? Generally, Hindus aren't oppressed caste. They have upper hand in most places.

And now comes the interesting part. The UPA government introduced "minority scholarships" for students from the Christian and Muslim communities, amounting to some $30 per month (which is a big amount in Kerala). The real minority (Hindus) is left with nothing.

Well, not really that bit atm. It is around ₹1,900. Most of the Muslims in Kerala belong to OBC and it has less advantage than SCs and STs. Especially, in universities, they give seats for people just because they are SCs or STs. I have found/seen many situations where overall rating of people from OBC were 90%+ and still they went to end/middle of waiting list and people from SCs and STs who got <60% or so gets seats.

NB: Some Hindus also belong to OBC. I didn't comment on Christians as I don't know about their cases much.

Another interesting scenario is from the province of UP, where the chief minister there promised to give $2,000 to every Muslim girl of marriageable age (only to Muslims, nothing for the Hindus). And also in the state of Bengal, there is a $100 per month stipend for Muslim clerics, while many of the Hindu priests are starving. Remember that all this is from tax payer money.

May I know the source please? AP Chief Minister has said that ₹2,000 crore will be allocated for the welfare of disabled persons in the state in the coming four years. I know people who aren't Muslims, who have said that treating Muslims are bad in central and some of the northern part of the country. It will be helpful if you can give me source.

During the UPA government, although Manmohan Sngh was the nominal head of the state, every single decision was taken by Sonia Maino, who is a Roman Catholic. She had a closed ring of associates, selected from the Roman Catholic community, who effectively ran the country (including Margaret Alva, AK Anthony, Oscar Fernandes, YSR Reddy.etc).

As I have said earlier, I don't know much about Christians. So I can't comment on this too but Sonia Gandhi did have biased decisions. She is Italian. So a "closed ring of associates from Roman Catholic community" is plausible.

With such blatant discrimination perpetrated by the UPA, how can you blame Modi for hidden plans? Did he introduced any such plans for Hindu students?

There are already plans for Hindu students. In many places, they have upper hand too. There are some plans which is silently taking place in some(/many) places which affects Muslims (and Christians)*. Many have accepted Hindu religion because of this. Even no peculiar news. Besides, Modi has a history of crimes and hence, has criminal charges. Yet, Modi is a free bird. I don't think a sudden change in his heart to become good person and that too with more power & money is good.

Btw, what luck did you get in many places, due to your Christian-sounding name? Can you be specific(if possible)?

P.S. I appreciate your knowledge.

* I am not sure about Christians.

[erikalui]

That depends upon the individual opinion. During the last UPA government, they undertook many measures to favor the Muslims and Christians. Two years ago, I happened to visit Southern India on a vacation. I was visiting a few beaches and resorts in the province of Kerala.

Kerala is one of the regions with a Hindu minority in India. According to the official census, Hindus are some 55% of the population. But in reality only 15% to 20% is Hindu, as the remaining has converted to other religions. These people input "Hindu" in census forms, only to obtain the quota benefits which are given to lower castes.

I was there for a few weeks, and it was very clear that the (real) Hindus constituted an oppressed class, with the Christians dominating every sphere. There is some discrimination against the Muslims also, but they are mostly tolerated by the Christians. Even I got lucky in many places, due to my Christian-sounding name. And now comes the interesting part. The UPA government introduced "minority scholarships" for students from the Christian and Muslim communities, amounting to some $30 per month (which is a big amount in Kerala). The real minority (Hindus) is left with nothing.

Another interesting scenario is from the province of UP, where the chief minister there promised to give $2,000 to every Muslim girl of marriageable age (only to Muslims, nothing for the Hindus). And also in the state of Bengal, there is a $100 per month stipend for Muslim clerics, while many of the Hindu priests are starving. Remember that all this is from tax payer money.

During the UPA government, although Manmohan Sngh was the nominal head of the state, every single decision was taken by Sonia Maino, who is a Roman Catholic. She had a closed ring of associates, selected from the Roman Catholic community, who effectively ran the country (including Margaret Alva, AK Anthony, Oscar Fernandes, YSR Reddy.etc).

With such blatant discrimination perpetrated by the UPA, how can you blame Modi for hidden plans? Did he introduced any such plans for Hindu students?

This is the first time I am hearing about Hindus being the minority when actually they are the majority and most of them aren't converted. In my Engineering college, there were 50% Catholics and 50% Hindus as it was a Catholic college and I have seen mostly on Hindus as the majority in India. Muslims, Christians and Parsis are minorities.

If some are being biased for Christians, then many are being biased for Hindus (whether Maharashtrians & Gujaratis). Most people in the ministry are Hindus. Basically if Catholics get some benefit with respect to education, I don't see what's the harm. I got admission being in the minority group and got a scholarship while OBC students got 90% of their fees back as they belong to the OBC group. My college charged me about INR 50,000 for the admission and hence the benefit as well was useless as I had to pay an extra amount.


Like this, there are minority quotas for many people. People who have been in Government jobs get their family members into that job after they retire. Parsi people also have their own benefits and similarly Hindus. some are benefited while some aren't.

I have seen the discrimination with regards to Muslims and most buildings don't allow Muslims to stay with Hindus in Mumbai and that's to avoid any kind of fights.

Here is some info: http://www.financialexpress.com/article/miscellaneous/narendra-modi-reveals-religious-census-muslim-population-rises-24/33530/

[bryant.coleman]

If some are being biased for Christians, then many are being biased for Hindus (whether Maharashtrians & Gujaratis). Most people in the ministry are Hindus. Basically if Catholics get some benefit with respect to education, I don't see what's the harm.

A large part of the educational institutions in India are being run by Christians, despite constituting for just 4% of the total population. And there are reasons for that.

Minority educational institutions (i.e those run by Christians and Muslims) can recruit whoever they want as the faculty, and they can reserve 50% of the student seats for their community. For example, when I was visiting Kerala, I came to visit a Christian school having a student strength of around 6,000. 100% of the teaching staff, as well as 100% of the non-teaching staff (around 300 in number) were from the Christian community, while 80% of the students were Hindu.

But Hindu-run schools are not allowed to recruit only from the Hindu community. They have a say only in 20% of the staff recruitment. Also, only 10% of the student seats can be reserved for their community. This is only the tip of the iceberg. The discrimination against Hindus is prevalent in almost all the spheres.

The popular perception is changing, as social media is putting the "secular" news censorship to waste. Once the Hindus become more aware of the ongoing discrimination, they will dump left-wing parties such as the INC, and the support for the right-wing will increase.

[Muhammed Zakir]

If some are being biased for Christians, then many are being biased for Hindus (whether Maharashtrians & Gujaratis). Most people in the ministry are Hindus. Basically if Catholics get some benefit with respect to education, I don't see what's the harm.

A large part of the educational institutions in India are being run by Christians, despite constituting for just 4% of the total population. And there are reasons for that.

Minority educational institutions (i.e those run by Christians and Muslims) can recruit whoever they want as the faculty, and they can reserve 50% of the student seats for their community. For example, when I was visiting Kerala, I came to visit a Christian school having a student strength of around 6,000. 100% of the teaching staff, as well as 100% of the non-teaching staff (around 300 in number) were from the Christian community, while 80% of the students were Hindu.

But Hindu-run schools are not allowed to recruit only from the Hindu community. They have a say only in 20% of the staff recruitment. Also, only 10% of the student seats can be reserved for their community. This is only the tip of the iceberg. The discrimination against Hindus is prevalent in almost all the spheres.

The popular perception is changing, as social media is putting the "secular" news censorship to waste. Once the Hindus become more aware of the ongoing discrimination, they will dump left-wing parties such as the INC, and the support for the right-wing will increase.

I agree with you except one thing. Christians schools' majority of staffs are Christians but in Muslims schools it isn't like that. They recruit non-Muslims too just like Hindu schools.

[erikalui]

I agree with you except one thing. Christians schools' majority of staffs are Christians but in Muslims schools it isn't like that. They recruit non-Muslims too just like Hindu schools.

Who said that?  

I studied in a Convent school and I had mostly Hindu teachers. Yeah, it was run by Nuns but because it is a convent school and Government aided. I honestly never considered religion as an important factor and hence I never noted the religion of my teachers or friends but now I am feeling that religion is a very important factor. Is it so important?

When anybody asks me how many employees are there in my office, I saw 4000 employees are there. I don't say 500 Muslims, 200 Catholics, 100 Hindus and so on.

I'm sorry but this sounds quite odd when somebody discriminates in terms of religion/caste/country/culture. If a person is injured on the road, I don't ask them what religion they belong to as first they are human beings.

I don't like my own religion as except me, 90% of catholics give importance to the word RELIGION. I don't agree with their views nor their beliefs. I asked a priest to bless my grandmother's grave and he said it's not his job. From that day, I felt there's no use of being a catholic or belong to any other religion as all they care is for themselves. If you are a good human being, I am your friend else not.

All Gods are one. No matter how God looks like.