Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Jio Asks Trai to Re-evaluate Net Neutrality for 5G Services
Imagine the internet is a highway.
Net neutrality says all cars (internet data) must be treated the same, no speeding up or slowing down specific cars.
Reliance Jio is asking the internet police (Trai) to reconsider this rule for the new 5G technology.
They want to create special lanes, like one for super-fast emergency vehicles (critical apps needing low delay) or one for large delivery trucks (apps needing lots of data).
Jio says this is possible with a new technology called 'network slicing' on 5G, and that other countries are already allowing similar things.
They believe this will help them offer new and better services to people, making money from 5G, without making the regular internet lanes worse for everyone else.
They want clear rules to make sure this is allowed.
Reliance Jio has urged Trai to review net neutrality rules to accommodate 5G standalone (SA) technology innovations.
Jio proposes differentiated tariff products using 5G network slicing for specific use cases like guaranteed speeds or low latency.
Current net neutrality rules mandate equal treatment of all internet traffic, prohibiting preferential treatment.
Jio cites global examples from the US and UK where net neutrality regulations have been adapted for new technologies.
The company seeks regulatory clarity to ensure specialized 5G services can coexist with existing net neutrality obligations without degrading user experience.
- Who
- Reliance Jio
- What
- Has asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) to review net neutrality rules to allow differentiated tariff products based on 5G network slicing.
- When
- The request was made recently, with discussions referencing past events from 2014-2016 and ongoing global regulatory shifts.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To enable consumers to benefit from technological innovations enabled by 5G SA, allowing operators to monetize specialized services while aiming to not degrade the experience for ordinary consumers.
Jio's Stance
Current Net Neutrality Principles
Differentiated Services and Network Slicing
Jio's Stance
Jio argues that 5G standalone (SA) technology enables network slicing, allowing for specialized services with guaranteed speeds or low latency for specific use cases. They believe this innovation should be permitted to monetize 5G benefits and calls for regulatory flexibility.
Current Net Neutrality Principles
The current net neutrality rules, established in 2016, mandate that all internet traffic be treated equally. This prohibits blocking, throttling, or preferential treatment of any content or applications, ensuring a level playing field for all users.
Global Practices
Jio's Stance
Jio cites examples from the US (FCC repeal) and UK (Ofcom's new parameters) where net neutrality rules have evolved to allow for differentiated service offerings and specialized services under transparent conditions.
Current Net Neutrality Principles
India's current net neutrality policy, enacted in 2016, was a direct response to past controversies like Facebook's Free Basics and Airtel Zero, which were seen as violating the principle of equal treatment of data.
Monetization and Consumer Interest
Jio's Stance
Allowing differentiated services through network slicing will enable operators to monetize 5G SA technology, while still safeguarding consumer interests and equal internet access, provided other users' experiences are not degraded.
Current Net Neutrality Principles
The core principle of net neutrality is to prevent discriminatory tariffs and ensure that all internet users have equal access to content and services without preferential treatment based on commercial agreements.
- Company Requesting Review
- Reliance Jio
- Regulatory Body
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai)
- Technology in Focus
- 5G Standalone (SA) and Network Slicing
- Core Principle Under Review
- Net Neutrality
- Historical Precedent
- Facebook's Free Basics and Airtel Zero (2014-15)
- Relevant Regulation
- Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations, 2016