MediaNama submitted counter comments to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on September 15, urging that net neutrality regulations should govern network slicing in 5G networks. Network slicing allows a single physical network to be divided into multiple virtual slices, each providing differentiated service quality. The submission challenges industry views that network slicing should be unrestricted under current telecom regulations, emphasizing that neutrality principles must apply to these virtual slices, according to medianama.com.
The submission highlights that Reliance Jio and the GSMA have argued network slicing is already unrestricted or should be permitted without net neutrality constraints. MediaNama counters this by reiterating arguments made over the past 13-14 years in favor of net neutrality, emphasizing that differential pricing and prioritization based on customer type or application should not violate neutrality rules. The document includes detailed excerpts supporting the application of existing net neutrality principles to network slices, reinforcing that the regulatory framework must evolve alongside 5G technology, medianama.com reported.
This intervention is significant as network slicing can enable telecom operators to offer prioritized services to select customers or applications, potentially undermining net neutrality protections. The debate reflects broader tensions in India's telecom sector over maintaining open internet principles amid rapid technological advances. Applying net neutrality to network slicing would align with India's established rules on differential pricing and ensure fair access across services. The issue is critical given the increasing adoption of 5G and the potential for service differentiation to impact consumer choice and competition, medianama.com noted.
TRAI is currently reviewing public comments on network slicing as part of its Quality of Service consultation. MediaNama’s submission adds to the regulatory discourse ahead of TRAI’s final recommendations. The regulator’s decision will shape how 5G network slicing is governed in India, influencing service providers’ ability to prioritize traffic and the enforcement of net neutrality principles in the evolving telecom landscape, medianama.com stated.