Flipkart CEO supports Airtel Zero, faces consumer anger

Flipkart is getting brickbats from consumers in the Apple and Android app stores for partnering with Airtel on the service provider's Airtel Zero platform, which experts contend goes against the concept of net neutrality.

After-Flipkart-CEO-Sachin-Bansal-tweeted-in-support-of-Airtel-Zero-users-have-been-giving-Flipkart-s-app-a-one-star-rating-in-the-iOS-and-Android-app-stores

Flipkart is getting brickbats from consumers in the Apple and Android app stores for partnering with Airtel on the service provider's Airtel Zero platform, which experts contend goes against the concept of net neutrality.

Airtel Zero allows customers to access certain apps and websites without paying data charges as long as the makers of those apps and services pay Airtel for this free access. Airtel Zero's premise goes against the basic notion of net neutrality, which deems that all data on the internet is equal and should not be discriminated against.

After Flipkart CEO Sachin Bansal tweeted in support of Airtel Zero, users have been giving Flipkart's app a one-star rating in the iOS and Androjd app stores.

I'm for #NetNeutrality. I spend time/money helping startups in india. Will never support things which suffocate innovation... (1/3)

— Sachin Bansal (@_sachinbansal) April 8, 2015

... 0 rated apps for limited time doesnt go against #NetNeutrality. Costs/competition are very high. Can't be sustained for long... (2/3)

— Sachin Bansal (@_sachinbansal) April 8, 2015

... 0rating only reduces data costs for users. Fears of a telecom big brother emerging are unfounded. Choice wins. Always. (3/3)

— Sachin Bansal (@_sachinbansal) April 8, 2015

(The writer can be reached at @PranavDixit)