Flagging net neutrality concerns from Jio, Idea to launch its own handset

Idea which is being merged with larger rival Vodafone, is working with handset makers to launch a phone which will offer customers the freedom of choice. Idea Cellular has flagged net neutrality concerns about Reliance Jio’s proposed 4G phones, saying it will only allow the apps of the operators choice and that it will also launch a slightly expensive handset as a counter to it. 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 operators apps,” Himanshu Kapania, the managing director of Idea Cellular Limited, the third largest telecom operator, said in an analyst call. He said the Aditya Birla Group company, which is being merged with larger rival Vodafone, is working with handset makers to launch a phone that will be slightly expensive, but offer customers the freedom of choice. “Both the handset manufacturers and telecom operators need each other to make sure that the offering to the consumer is strong enough when you have to make a choice between a bundled offer and a telecom operator with a locked handset,” Kapania said.