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Follow on Google News | BankBazaar.com Speaks Up for Net NeutralityBoth Internet access and net neutrality are equally important, and we should not have to choose between the two. BankBazaar.com champions net neutrality.
By: BankBazaar.com The thought to bring free Internet access to the disadvantaged section of the society is a very positive move; however, it is imperative that the openness of the Internet is not compromised by this attempt. While differential / free pricing which is restricted to certain websites only might put the internet in the hands of those who do not have it, it will put the Internet in the hands of large corporations and telecom companies who would be the gatekeepers controlling who accesses what on the Internet. This is also a tremendous risk to privacy as well as freedom. Differential pricing schemes by telecom operators offer to provide a section of curated sites free of cost. However, it would be the telecom provider and organizations tied up with these providers who would get to decide on the bouquet of applications and services on offer. The average user who signs up for the service will have no power to determine the scope of the service. While it is understandable that telcos charge for bandwidth, it is essential that consumers have the right to access the sites they want without having to pay premium rates and not leave it to some telco or network to decide how the bandwidth can be used. Differential pricing will limit access to a choice between different content packs, weakening the benefits of surfing the internet. The move would section the Internet as well as companies leveraging the Internet into haves and have-nots, and would unfairly benefit some who have the purchasing power to provide cheaper or free Internet services. It will also change the dynamics of organic search and traffic for online products and applications which will result in reduced and biased reach. This would impede the growth of the Internet and put an end to India’s vibrant start-up ecosystem. It is inevitable that innumerable small and developing businesses would eventually have to fold up as they will not be able to compete against bigger companies as the playing field is no longer level. If it gets approved, it may create a chain reaction of more service providers coming with their own version of "Free Internet", resulting in an overall fractured Internet in India. Both Internet access and net neutrality are equally important, and we should not have to choose between the two. The need of the hour is increased connectivity that complies with net neutrality and provides meaningful Internet access to all. Marginal Internet for the marginalized should neither be the aim nor be acceptable. If the goal is to get Internet into every Indian’s hands – then the solution is free access to all sites on the Internet. About BankBazaar BankBazaar.com (www.bankbazaar.com) BankBazaar services are available through the web-portal, made-for-mobile web service or the BankBazaar app available on the Android play store and iOS app store. It helps consumers compare best offers across various banks and NBFCs. Apart from the above, it gives the consumer the latest news/ trends and insights into managing their finances better. The consumers can track their application and troubleshoot issues in the process through a host of channels like the BankBazaar app, WhatsApp, Email, Voice-support etc. Media Contacts: BankBazaar.com | parul.shrivastava@ End
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