#50 Net Neutrality: DoT panel to submit report next month

The Indian government has hinted at supporting the net neutrality in India. However, a DoT panel will submit its report next month following which the government will take a final decision.

A telecom department panel will submit its recommendations on net neutrality next month, after which the government will take a final decision on the issue. The development comes amid heated debate over the net neutrality.

Interestingly, the government has come out in support for the net neutrality. Political leaders, including Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal and Telecom Minister Ravishankar Prasad have extended support to the net neutrality. Moreover, there's already online campaigns such as the saveinternet.org going on in support of net neutrality.

"We feel that the Internet is the creation of human mind. Internet should have linkages to the common man in a non-discriminatory manner,” Prasad is quoted as saying.

Here's a viral video in support of net neutrality:

Debate about net neutrality triggered in India after Airtel launched an Airtel Zero initiative that gave users free access to apps associated with the initiative – many believed the programme is against the concept net neutrality. Moreover, the telecom regulatory authority of India (TRAI) has already floated a consultation paper on the issue.

Even as the majority of netizens is supporting net neutrality, telecom operators have repeatedly pointed out the revenue losses they have suffered because of the OTT players. Airtel, however, has said in a detailed response how the Airtel Zero is not against the net neutrality. Here's the Airtel response on the issue.

Meanwhile, read our take on net neutrality - So, what's the deal with net neutrality? Also, check out a different take on issue by TeleAnalysis - An Analogy Why Net Neutrality, Airtel Zero Don't Cross Path.

#49 Microsoft launches MS-DOS for mobile (Sure, why not)

The MS-DOS mobile is meant for Lumia users only. Read below to find out more. 

Microsoft has just launched MS-DOS for mobile*. Yes, remember that black and white command prompt driven operating system that was a PC stalwart once upon a time? Microsoft just sent out a tweet through its Lumia twitter account, announcing that the OS has been designed exclusively for Lumia phones. The company has also put up a complete blog post on the Lumia Conversations blog, along with a video, explaining how the OS works.

While enthusiasts may have enjoyed tinkering with the OS, Microsoft also mentions that the MS-DOS Mobile preview is an essential download for Lumia phones. This may not sit well with many other Lumia users, though, since MS-DOS is a step back from the current operating systems and their ecosystems. 

Speaking about the OS, Daniel Glass, who led the design team for the OS, said, “Turning our back on the graphics was hugely liberating. We’ve dropped the resolution, and in doing so re-discovered our roots.” Microsoft says that the OS will come pre-installed with certain applications and enthusiasts can also find out hidden functions if they put their minds to it. You can read Microsoft's entire post about going back to the black and white era here.

*Reeling over the absurdity of all of the above yet? Check today's date!