Zero-rating

Zero-Rating is the practice of providing access to designated online services, without charging the end users for the usage of that data. Ultimately, these plans have two characteristics. First, someone other than the end user is covering the cost of the data. Second, the internet services provided under Zero-Rating plans are limited and predetermined by the financiers of the plan.

Zero-Rating plans have gained popularity in two forms. First, as part of a limited mobile data package, allowing customers to use particular services without that data counting against their data limit. Second, as a way to provide internet access to areas of the developing world that have not previously been connected.