COMPETITION LAW'S PROTECTION TO NET NEUTRALITY.

Abstract

In the modern age, it is difficult to imagine a life without internet. Almost everything today can be done with help of internet. The existence of the internet today is hugely due to the concept of net neutrality. Net neutrality is extremely important as it provides an equal and fair ground for companies irrespective of its size. However lately, a small but vocal minority have been raising their voice as the principles of net neutrality in India are being violated. The United States faced a similar dilemma until recently, the Federal Communications Commission published the final rule on its new "Net Neutrality" regulations. Many telecom operators have launches schemes that hinder net neutrality. Net neutrality plays a key role in providing fair and competitive market on the internet. Fair and Competitive market protects the smaller firms. They also encourage new entrants to join the market. This also helps the consumer as it provides for a quality check and constant innovation. In order maintain a fair competition in the market, The Competition Act, 2002 is operational in India. This paper analyses the importance of net neutrality, the schemes that are said to be against net neutrality and whether these schemes are anti-competitive and prohibited under The Competition Act, 2002. The importance of internet cannot be undermined. The internet is the window to the world. In today’s times, the internet is important for the facilitation of various factors of a person’s life. Almost everything today can be done with help of internet. One can pay bills, buy grocery, manage bank accounts, transfer money, research, go to college online, attend conferences, connect with family and friends, network with likeminded people, watch entertainment programs, conduct meetings and even find a marriage partner online. It also acted like messiah to many entrepreneurs. The inspirational stories of Google, facebook, flipkart and many other sites are widely known.