Google Maps has announced changes to its policies in India, effective August 1, 2024. The company has reduced charges by 70% and will now accept payments in Indian rupees instead of US dollars. This move comes as Ola, a rival navigation service, has entered the market.
No Charges for Individual Users
Individual users need not worry about paying charges for using Google Maps. The service remains free for personal use. However, businesses that utilize Google Maps for their operations will need to pay reduced charges.
Reduced Charges for Businesses
Previously, businesses in India were charged between $4 and $5 per month for using Google Maps navigation services. With the new policy, charges have been reduced to between ₹31 (0.38 USD) and ₹125 (1.50 USD) per month.
Ola Maps Offers Free Service
Meanwhile, Ola Maps, the new navigation service from Ola, offers its services for free. Ola's CEO, Bhavish Aggarwal, has criticized Google's new policy, calling it a "false show" and stating that the price reduction and acceptance of Indian rupees are unnecessary.
Ola's "Made for India" and "Priced for India" Strategy
Ola's AI company, Krutrim, has launched a "Made for India" and "Priced for India" strategy, which includes a new roadmap and pricing strategy for Ola Maps. This move is seen as a direct challenge to Google Maps. Google Maps has introduced changes to its policies in India, reducing charges and accepting payments in Indian rupees. However, Ola Maps offers its services for free, posing a challenge to Google's dominance in the navigation market.
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