While
Flipkart decided to part ways from Airtel Zero, the telco still
continues to believe that its platform doesn’t violate the principle of
net neutrality. According to a report in The Times of India, Bharti
Airtel’s CEO Gopal Vittal has sent mails to several CEO/CXOs and
influencers explaining how its zero-rating plan does not violate the
principle of net neutrality.
The
company reportedly also plans to launch another ‘website conveying
Airtel’s commitment to net neutrality, and also clarify its stand on
issues related to its zero-payment plan. Airtel’s move comes after being
widespread criticism that compelled Flipkart to back out from the
partnership.
In
the letter, Vittal writes, “We have been very concerned at the
incorrect information that has been carried by some quarters in the
media as well as in social media. I wanted to take this opportunity to
clear the air and reiterate that we are completely committed to net
neutrality.”
In
the email, he has written that the ISP has never blocked or offered
differential speeds to any website, nor will it ever do so in the
future. He even goes to say that the company is committed to net
neutrality and its dreams are in line with PM’s Digital India vision.
Earlier
this year, Airtel had launched the Zero marketing platform, which is
quite similar in principle to Internet.org. With Airtel Zero, customers
can access apps of participating app developers at zero data charges.
The data charges for using such apps will be borne by the developers of
the apps. This could result in Airtel users preferring only the apps
they can access for free.
Now,
free Internet sounds tempting, but you need to be aware that you are
getting free access only to services/apps that have struck a deal with
the telcos. This can leave app developers, specially startups, who
cannot afford telcos’ data charges at a disadvantage.
However,
Airtel has an explanation for this too. Vittal says that customers are
free to choose between website of their choice, whether they are free or
not. So, if they access a toll-free site then they wont be charged for
data, and other sites will come at a cost. However, it’s not very clear
how this isn’t violating the principles of net neutrality.
Just
like Facebook’s Zuckerberg, Vittal also goes on to say that the
company’s “objective of Airtel Zero is to ensure that every Indian is on
the internet by making data access free to them” because many Indians
think Internet is expensive. He further went on to equate it with
toll-free voice services such as 1-800 numbers.
Protesting
against rules trying to redefine the Internet, a website called
www.savetheinternet.in was set up where anyone can send a mail directly
to Trai, expressing their discomfort about how telecom carriers are
taking away free Internet from them. Netizens in India have sent more
than 6 lakh e-mail petitions to Trai, so far.
Posted by : Gizmeon
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