In a major U-turn, Airtel has said that it supports Net Neutrality. It has said that its Airtel Zero platform is open to all on a non-discriminatory basis.
Airtel fully supports the concept of Net Neutrality. There have been some misconceptions about our toll free data platform - Airtel Zero. It is a not a tariff proposition. It is merely an open platform for content providers to provide toll free data services.
— Airtel Official Statement
The comments follow e-commerce major Flipkart’s decision to “walk away” from its proposed tie-up with Airtel that has been at the centre of a raging debate over a need to maintain equal Internet access for all.
Airtel Zero Platform
Airtel launched the Zero platform last week that allowed customers to access certain mobile applications for free with charges being borne by app makers.
The toll free platform is open to all content providers on a completely non-discriminatory basis and operates on the same principle as 1-800 toll free voice services.
Not a Tariff Proposition
Airtel said the statement made by Flipkart regarding their decision not to offer toll free data service to their customers is consistent with the telecom firm stand that Airtel Zero is not a tariff proposition.
It is merely an open platform for content providers to provide toll free data services. The platform remains open to all companies who want to offer these toll free data services to their customers on a completely non discriminatory basis.
Flipkart Walkout
The statement comes after e-commerce firm, Flipkart walked out of discussions with Airtel on a major tie up.
Flipkart decided to move out after receiving major backlash on social media regarding its original decision to tie up with the telecom company.
In an official statement to nextbigwhat.com, Flipkart stated that it has always strongly believed in the concept of net neutrality, for it existed because of the Internet.
We will be walking away from the ongoing discussions with Airtel for their platform Airtel Zero..... We will be committing ourselves to the larger cause of Net Neutrality in India.
- Flipkart’s Official Statement
More than 3 lakh people have written to India’s telecom regulator TRAI, urging it to reconsider its support to companies like Airtel, Reliance and Vodafone who have signed deals that violate Net Neutrality.
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