COAI has taken a drastic step to confuse people on net neutrality. A campaign called Sabka Internet now creates a hullabaloo among the people. COAI has launched this campaign on Wednesday with a call to send a missed call to a toll-free number. A one page website with tagline ‘Support SabkaInternet for a Digital Bharat’ and a claim for ‘Affordable internet for all’ run live for the purpose.
#Airtel sending SMS with hidden agenda. We support #netnuetrality... We will port out @Airtel_Presence pic.twitter.com/Vi6s2mf5QI
— Renju (@renjucool) April 23, 2015
The website simply carries three different images, of that of common man, claiming three rights on internet –
--- I believe that I should have a right to choose what I access on the internet.
--- I believe that same services should have the same rules.
--- I believe that people should have the right to affordable internet.
As per the who.is data, the website is registered by COAI on 15th April. The text message, which is available in both Hindi and English, that gets circulated around says; ‘COAI supports #SabkaInternet. I believe that I should have a right to choose what I access on the internet. To support, give a missed call to 1800 270 6899’.
While dialing this number, the following call appears;
Thank you for supporting #SabkaInternet for a Digital Bharat with
#1 Right to choose what you want to access
#2. Right to an affordable Internet
#3. Access to solutions that make internet affordable for you
#4. Same rules being applicable for the same services
To opt-out give a missed call to 02261227979.
The #1 and #2 of the points clearly supports net neutrality, however #3 and #4 highlights Zero-rating plan. The intention is purely to deceive people, and to make them feel confused over the choice of net neutrality. Many activists and mass have come forward criticizing COAI for this message.
