Workshop Proposal 17

Date: 4 Aug 2014

Time: 13:30 – 15:00

Venue: Tapas 1

Archives: Transcript / Adobe Connect Recordings / Summary Report

Workshop Title Network Neutrality in Asia Pacific
Thematic Area of Interest Internet business in the Asia Pacific region
Specific Issues of Discussions & Description Network neutrality as an important but controversial issue that involved topics of competition, consumer choice, transparency, freedom of expression and appropriate network management. Regulatory regimes which promote access to information in a consistent, predicable manner are needed. Transparent policies which encourage trust are crucial, yet these principles must be balanced with the business imperative to be profitable.Where are the pain points in this debate? Can net neutrality exist while still being economically viable? Beyond crowdfunding and freemium models, can a sustainable model of principle-led economics be found? The NETmundial Multistakeholder Statement recommended that network neutrality and its relation to the concept of an open Internet required further discussion in other international forums. Using the results of a comparative study on the situation of network neutrality in a number of Asia Pacific countries, this workshop will bring the “principle vs economics” ideas to the fore with a frank panel discussion on how net neutrality is currently being viewed and approached by businesses and policymakers.
Expected Format and Target Panel Members
1530-1540
Welcome and Introductions

Ms. Lim May-Ann, Executive Director, Asia Cloud Computing Association, andMr. Adam Peake, Executive Research Fellow, GLOCOM, International University of Japan

1540-1550

Network Neutrality in Asia

Mr. Adam Peake, Executive Research Fellow, GLOCOM, International University of JapanNet neutrality debates have been dominated by the US and EU. Wither Asia’s opinion on this controversial issue? This session will review some observations on network neutrality regulations which have emerged from the Asia Pacific region.

1550-1600

Business perspectives of network neutrality

Mr. S. Chandrasekhar, Director Government Affairs, Microsoft IndiaThe recent NETmundial Stakeholder Statement is one of the first global statements around net neutrality which has been released. What are the factors impacting business investment choices, and where do they stand in terms of an equitable Internet for all?

1600-1610

A Telco Perspective on Net Neutrality

Mr. Vikram Tiwathia, Associate Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India  What constitutes “reasonable” traffic management for telcos and cloud providers? What other considerations around prioritised Internet access do data providers face today?

1610-1620

Civil Society/NGO perspective on Net Neutrality

Mr. Nikhil Pahwa, Editor & Publisher, MediaNama What are consumer expectations around net neutrality?Beyond privacy issues, is there a fear that reasonable Internet access may soon be beyond the average consumer?

1620-1650
Open discussion

Moderated by: Ms. Lim May-Ann, Executive Director, Asia Cloud Computing Association

1650-1700 Wrap-up – discussion highlights review, and closing
Workshop Organiser Co-organised by

  • Mr. Adam PEAKE, Center for Global Communications (GLOCOM), International University of Japan
  • Ms LIM May-Ann, Executive Director, Asia Cloud Computing Organisation (ACCA)