Indosat continue on internet.org Despite Criticized

Ilustrasi (Dok)

JAKARTA (IndoTelko) - PT Indosat Tbk (ISAT) carries on its bussiness as usual as the rejection of its internet.org program continues which was jointly build with Facebook Indonesia.

"So there are two things, first we did not want to place internet.org with the net neutrality. As an operator we do not support net neutrality, we still see the operator is developing network. Customer enabled would still be our customers. It is the position of the operator in general and the position of the Association of Telecommunications organizers Indonesia (ATSI) also, "said President Director & CEO of Indosat Alexander Rusli, yesterday.

Alexander also stressed that internet.org program is a mechanism to encourage mobile users who do not use the internet to get into cyberspace.

"We do not see this is detrimental to Indosat. Now there are 16 applications have been lodged, in fact everyone can go to the application in internet.org with a number of conditions," he explained.

Alexander said that requirements requested for applications that wish to join the Internet.org must not lack of sources and network, it can also be used in 2G phones. "There are some local applications that have been adjusted with these requirements, and it can be easily accessed in 2G mobile phone as fast as the 3G," he described.

Regarding the security issues on costumer data by using the internet.org as stated by several Non Governmental Organizations (NGO) Alexander just said that "It's just like when we use any other application, such as a Facebook application, they have access to our info or Google which can access our behavior," he said.

He added that Indosat is in cooperation with Facebook to develop Internet.org for two years and the marketing cooperation is mutually beneficial.

"We'll see how far these sites would provide free access to its customers. Users are usually impressed by the first impresion. Currently there are hundreds of thousands of users using Internet.org," he concluded.

Marketing Gimmick
Just to note, besides Indosat, Telkomsel is also cooperating with Evercoss utilizing Opera for free internet program in its feature phones.

Minister of Communication and Information Technology Rudiantara said that phenomenon was only marketing and promotion gimmick to attract new customers who have not been touched by the Internet.

"The Internet may be free, but the network belongs to providers. it is ok if it's done for campaign purpose, the network with low utilization might not have a problem. But if the traffic is high traffic, then it would be a handfull for the operators themselves," the minister said.

Previously, the action of the rejection of internet.org existence which was jointly build by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, began to spread in Indonesia. One was from ICT Watch who assess the program is contrary to the concept of the Internet Neutrality, Privacy, and Security. (id)