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Zero Rating and Net Neutrality - Part 1

In this article, I will be discussing what zero rating is. In future articles, I will discuss net neutrality and the implications of zero rating. I have not decided my opinion on this subject but we shall find out at the end of this series when I know more.

Zero Rating

What is Zero rating?

Zero rating is the practice of mobile operators not charging for data usage on certain websites, applications and Internet services.
Facebook, Google and Wikipedia have special programs using zero rating so that their services are pushed quickly into developing areas.

Who Pays?

Nothing is really free. So who pays for the free data?
  1. Network providers cover the costs to users of accessing certain hand-picked sites and applications;
  2. A company pays to provide access to a suite of different services; or
  3. A company pays to subsidize access to only their services.
We will continue to look at zero rating in the next article

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