Indonesia's PT Indosat and Facebook have launched sponsored access to Internet.org apps in Indonesia. The new bundle of apps includes Wikipedia, Accuweather, Jobstreet, auction sites OLX and Tokopedia and Unicef's Facts For Life, and will be offered at no charge for its IM3 and Mentari prepaid customers, as well as its Matrix postpaid subscribers.
Such zero-rated apps have become controversial, as some consider the practice a violation of network neutrality principles. Others argue zero rating is a way to introduce people to the Internet, encouraging sampling and usage, without requiring purchase of a data plan.
It is perhaps a classic example of conflicting--and otherwise laudable--goals: allowing millions of people to use the Internet for the first time, at no incremental cost, and the goal of fostering robust innovation in the ecosystem.
Some seem to argue the potential for innovation must be protected, even at the risk of limiting Internet access. Others would argue that providing Internet access is more important than any potential impact on innovation, if there is any adverse impact.
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