Brand Experts: Airtel May Need To Withdraw Airtel Zero

Most telcos have plans offering Facebook or Whatsapp at nominal charges, if not for free. These plans so far haven't attracted criticism, but looked at carefully; all these plans violate neutrality, the principle that guarantees consumers equal and non-discriminatory access to all data, apps and services on the Internet. By providing some for free, and not others, telcos are in effect discriminating between apps.

 Airtel already faced a backlash last December for its plan to separately charge for voice over Internet calls, such as Skype and Viber. It withdrew the scheme after consumer reaction, saying it would wait for a consultation paper produced by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)

Brand authority Harish Bijoor says Airtel has become a victim of its timing, "Trai was in the process of collating public opinion on net neutrality by April 24, I think the debate over the matter has peaked earlier than that, thanks to Airtel's decision to release its zero plan," he added.

Bijoor mentioned that Airtel bore the brunt because it was the first telecom operator to act. "I think all others were waiting to see the reaction before they followed suit, so Airtel has borne the brunt of being the market leader."

Also Read: Net Neutrality: Pros And Cons
International Energy Agency Keen To Make India Full-Time Member