Exempting popular apps from data charges is anti-competitive

Re:Exempting popular apps from data charges is anti-competitive by Someone1234 on Wednesday January 07, 2015 @04:57PM (#8853571)

I was going to point out the same.

I really like T-Mobile's program since a lot of my data usage was disappearing into streaming music (namely Google Music/Play Music). However I will fully admit it is anti-competitive since if you're a new music streaming service just trying to make it, you won't get onto T-Mobile's free list (and even Google Music/Play Music wasn't until extremely recently, like even two months ago it wasn't).

However as much as I like and benefit from this program, I think the world would be a better place if all data was treated equally. I'd actually be willing to sacrifice this program if it meant a more fair internet, and I benefit from it...

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Exempting popular apps from data charges is anti-competitive by frizzlebox on Wednesday January 07, 2015 @05:12PM (#8853666)

Adding to this, the T-Mobile FAQ claims they're willing to add legal services if you contact them:

http://www.t-mobile.com/offer/free-music-streaming.html

  Will you add more streaming providers over time?
  
  Absolutely!  Any lawful and licensed streaming music service can work with us for inclusion in this offer, which is designed to benefit all of our Simple Choice customers.  And we want to hear from you!  Who do you think we should add next?  Vote at #MusicFreedom and be heard!
   
  If you are a streaming service provider Click here, send us an email and we’ll get back to you to begin the process.

Doesn't make it any less anti-competitive, I think, but it feels nice to see this kind of promise.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Exempting popular apps from data charges is anti-competitive by whyaduck on Wednesday January 07, 2015 @05:20PM (#8853714)

Yes, definitely anti-competitive (he says as he changes Spotify's streaming quality to "Extreme" on his T-Mobile serviced phone).

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Exempting popular apps from data charges is anti-competitive by frizzlebox on Thursday January 08, 2015 @04:03AM (#8855566)

I honestly wrote that "anti-competitive" bit so it wouldn't look like I was defending anyone. You caught me trying to preempt being called a shill. It didn't work.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Exempting popular apps from data charges is anti-competitive by whyaduck on Friday January 09, 2015 @01:09PM (#8863411)

I hope you didn't think I was calling you a shill - I literally changed my Spotify settings after I read about T-Mobile's policy in this article. Re-reading, my post could have been read differently. Sorry!

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Exempting popular apps from data charges is anti-competitive by nashequilibrium on Wednesday January 07, 2015 @05:30PM (#8853772)

If so, then why do you need a throwaway account to side with the Telcos? The issue is once this becomes standard practice those nice words disappear and a whole new monster appears. Its best to nip it in the bud.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Exempting popular apps from data charges is anti-competitive by freehunter on Wednesday January 07, 2015 @05:42PM (#8853840)

I'm not the person you're replying to, but I'll say it with a non-throwaway account: T-Mobile has said they're willing to work with any legal streaming music provider, as stated on their website.

I'm not sure why you would think someone would need a throwaway for that, or why you need to imply someone is a shill for simply reading T-Mobile's website.

[ Parent | on HN ]