Airtel reaches out to its users on net neutrality issue

Firm says its Airtel Zero platform's image has been tarnished, asserts it is committed to maintaining neutrality

Bharti Airtel sent mails to its subscribers allaying fears on net neutrality, a day after it reached out to its employees. The company’s Airtel Zero platform had triggered a debate on the issue of net neutrality. “Every website, content or application will always be given the same treatment on our network whether they are on the toll free platform or not. We do not ever block, throttle or provide any differential speeds to any web site,” Bharti Airtel’s MD & CEO (India and South Asia) Gopal Vittal said.

“We believe that every Indian has the right to be on the internet. We know that if we allow them to experience the joys of the internet they will join the digital revolution. Every website, content or application will always be given the same treatment on our network whether they are on the toll free platform or not. We do not ever block, throttle or provide any differential speeds to any web site. We believe customers are the reason we are in business. As a result we will always do what is right for our customers,” the mail said.

On the ‘Airtel Zero’ platform, companies, including startups, can offer apps for free. The app maker will pay for the customer’s free usage to the operator and users don’t have to pay any data charges.

Net neutrality means all internet sites to be treated equally without any discrimination in terms of speed and cost of access. Amidst all this, telecom regulator is in the process of framing regulations on this issues and for over the top players such as WhatsApp, Skype and Viber. And the department of telecommunications has also set up a committee to look into the issue of net neutrality. Both the reports are expected to come out next month.