I think the debate over differential pricing to access websites can be understood by comparing it with this message board.
Imagine a popular web portal like rediff having a tie-up with Internet Service Providers for the mutual benefit of both parties. Imagine a message board similar to this one, except that moderators can contact the ISP to reimburse net charges for certain messages. That when I post a message AGREEING with the rediff article, I get an SMS from Airtel that my last 2 minutes of browsing rediff have been free. Nobody should complain because no one is forcing me to sing the praises of rediff columnists, etc, etc.
It is good for the website because its article has increased in value, as there will be a chorus of "neutral" observers supporting the wisdom of its writers. And the cost to the site will be negligible. But everyone who cares enough to understand will know how things worked here.
And even though I have lived when net access on dial-up was far more expensive than today, it is almost certain that my decisions will be still guided by my internet bill.
I agree with contrarian view.. Also imagine, the the data networks are setup by telecom providers..how can a content provider have access to entire revenues of it (especially when it damages the telcom providers revenue model read watsapp vs SMS). Infact taking money from the app developers enables Telecom players to develop their infrastructure better. Ofcourse we can debate on the maximum price charged so that small players are not left out as well ensure cartels are not formed.
However, a point against it is: What if the operators increase the rates for present data packs..which will make it expensive to access other apps from the current scenario. The whole argument of this article is valid under the criteria that Operators would act in an honest manner, well we can at best not trust them and set up measures like monitoring and control..but blocking and rejecting Airtel Zero is against net neutrality.
Re: Look who's defending criticizing comments - Airtel Zero!!!
by SUKHI SHARMA on Apr 18, 2015 09:40 AM
writer has very well responded to the issues . his approach is analytic, simplistic and comprehensive. we need not succumb to campaigns just for the sake of ballooning opposition. days of freebees seem over ! being a free world, free market(ing) economy , the experiments must be permitted. companies are best judge as far as their interests are concerned.
Re: Author must put disclaimer about him and Airtel
by Against Pseudos on Apr 18, 2015 05:25 AM
Other internet providers are good because they will charge you for every byte of data you consume on the internet. Right? :-)
Re: Re: Author must put disclaimer about him and Airtel
by Phylum Chordata on Apr 19, 2015 05:29 PM
And Airtel is the good-est because they guide their consumers to the good-est sites.And all from thee greatness of their heart.
This hides a lot of mischief that are possible. Neither the author knows it not TRAI can control all or any of it. The end result would be few people up above controlling what people should think feel. Ideal for socialism or dictatorship. Right now rediff is asking for my phone number even when i disable Zarabol. We are a nation of slaves. Lets go ahead, bring it on folks. We love slavery.
