Brazilian operators end data plans with unlimited access to WhatsApp, marking the end of “zero rating” and starting a debate about internet infrastructure costs.
The era of unlimited access to social media and applications without discounting the data allowance is coming to an end in Brazil.
To the telecommunications operatorsfollowing a review of their commercial strategies, decided to abandon “zero rating” plans, which allowed unlimited use of popular applications such as WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook.
This change reflects a reassessment of market practices and prompts a broader debate about the sustainability of internet infrastructure and the financial participation of large technology companies in network maintenance costs.
Will operators cancel WhatsApp? Find out what the end of zero rating is
Telecommunications operators in Brazil are changing the way consumers access social networks and applications on their mobile data plans.
Traditionally, many Brazilians benefited from plans that offered unlimited use of apps like WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook without deducting the data allowance.
This practice, known as “zero rating“, allowed access to these services without additional data costs. However, major telecommunications companies have decided to abandon these unlimited plans, marking the end of the era of free social networks.
The end of zero rating
The zero rating strategy was discussed intensely during the approval of the Marco Civil da Internet, with concerns about its compliance with net neutrality laws.
Despite the controversies, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) concluded in 2017 that the practice did not harm the market.
However, recently, operators began to reformulate their plans, gradually eliminating the offer of unlimited applications.
Impacts of the end of WhatsApp and other social networks
Vivo and Claro have already implemented significant changes to their plans. A Alive started charging for daily use of applications on some plans and limited WhatsApp’s free service to only the most basic plans.
Claro terminated the plan Claro Flex, which offered free access to several applications, replacing it with a limited additional allowance for social networks and videos. TIM also announced revisions to its postpaid plans, signaling the end of zero-rated plans.
Regulatory perspectives
A National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) sees the change as a new commercial reality, not related to regulatory issues.
The president of Anatel, Carlos Baigorri highlighted that operators have expressed concerns about the intensive use of their networks without adequate compensation from technology giants.
Charges to technology giants
On a global movement, operators from several countries are putting pressure on technology companies like Google, Meta (owner of WhatsApp) and Netflix to contribute financially to the costs of maintenance and expansion of internet infrastructure.
In February, before the Mobile World Congress 2024several telecommunications companies published an open letter demanding that these tech giants help fund the infrastructure needed to support their services.
See too: BLOCKED advertisement reveals the total ban on Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook in the country
Do you use the messenger? Check out network security tips
To increase security on WhatsApp, it is essential to adopt some important practices.
First, enable the two-step authentication offers an additional layer of protection, ensuring that even if your password is compromised, additional code will be required to access your account.
Also, avoid clicking suspicious links or share sensitive personal information through WhatsApp.
Finally, use resources cryptography End-to-end messaging for all conversations ensures that only you and the recipient can view the content of messages, providing more secure and private communication.
See too: See how to remove ‘typing’ from WhatsApp and become invisible in the app
Tags: WhatsApp Claro Tim Understand TERROR Brazilians
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