Idea to launch costly handset to counter net neutrality woes

“One of the concerns is about net neutrality. It will not allow most of the apps which a customer prefers and the choice of apps may not work because it is forcing consumers to use an individual operator’s apps,” Himanshu Kapania, Managing Director, Idea Cellular Ltd, the third largest telecom operator, said, in an analyst call. 

Kapania further said it remains to be seen as to how the proposed Jio phone, which does not have features like a smartphone, serves those wanting to browse the Internet.

“While clearly it has an appeal for customers with voice usage, what appeal does it have for customers who have an Internet requirement, we will have to wait to see,” he said. 

He said the Aditya Birla Group company, which is being merged with Vodafone, is working with handset makers to launch a slightly expensive phone that would offer customers the freedom of choice. 

This would allow customers the choice of an operator as well as popular applications such as  Facebook or WhatsApp.