Several Indian web companies that had been part of Internet.org, a program that allows mobile Internet users unlimited use of Facebook and other participating sites and services without counting that use against their mobile data cap, now have withdrawn from that effort, actions that arguably make it harder to rapidly introduce people to the benefits of using the Internet.
“Offering free services helps get people online for the first time,” said Berin Szoka, president of TechFreedom.
“Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time absolutists have stoked outrage to stop zero-rating,” said Szoka. “Back in 2011, MetroPCS offered an entry-level data plan with unlimited YouTube aimed at new adopters, mainly minorities in America’s inner cities.”
“Net neutrality activists fueled such a media frenzy that the company abandoned the program, even though it was almost certainly legal under the FCC’s new net neutrality rules,” said Szoka. “A year later, the company decided it couldn’t survive on its own, so merged with T-Mobile.”
Many, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, are certain potential abuses can be avoided by use of existing consumer protection and antitrust laws.
“Governments everywhere need to do everything they can to make it easier for private companies to expand and upgrade broadband networks,” said Szoka. “That means making as much spectrum as possible available for mobile service and ensuring that carriers can effectively and creatively market their offerings to consumer.”
Banning zero rating does not help.
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