PayTM is in the news for offering free WiFi to all, which is disrupting the growth of India’s Ecommerce sector. This was officially announced by Mr Vijay Shekhar Sharma via his Facebook post, where he posted “Launching Paytm WiFi beta. Ab Paytm karne ke liye free Internet. Coming soon! PS: it will be equal, open & free internet for apps not just Paytm.”
This free internet access is provided to all internet users for a time period of 15 minutes. The best is yet to some- the access to the internet is neutral, which means one can browse any website and app, and not just PayTM. First of its kind, PayTM currently the only eCommerce and Wallet company as for now which offers free access to the internet via WiFi. In a long term, this activity of PayTM will have a vital impact on every internet user.
The free Wifi service would first be introduced in Metro Stations of Delhi-NCR to start with. It has already been launched in Noida Sector 18 Metro Station, which is considered to be Delhi’s one of the busiest stations, due to its proximity to shopping malls and various IT/ non IT companies. This free WiFi internet access will definitely compliment PayTM’s desperate efforts to push their wallet for offline use. Under a situation where PayTM is expecting a lot from its users for actual cash exchanges, free internet at the metro stations is definitely a smart move to start with. For instance, if any commuter wants to make an online payment to an auto rickshaw through PayTM app, the auto rickshaw can be quick and accept it by using free internet access. To this, Mr Vijay Shekhar added, “We are building avenues for our merchants and consumers who do not have access to internet at all times to stay connected with Paytm. Initially we are looking at metros because they are key locations for our consumers and our merchants, especially the auto-rickshaw walas.”
Net Neutrality and Free Internet Access
As this free internet access can be used to browse any app or website, it directly imparts the theory of net neutrality and free internet. As PayTM becomes the first ecmmoerce site to launch free WiFi facility, we are expecting other websites to jump in the row.
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