DeepSeek has experienced a surge in usage, with the number of calls increasing threefold compared to OpenAI’s services. In response, OpenAI has decided to switch to a free access model for DeepSeek, making the service available without charge. By removing the paywall, OpenAI aims to attract a broader user base and accelerate adoption of DeepSeek’s capabilities. Industry analysts suggest that this strategy could help OpenAI maintain its momentum in the competitive AI search market, especially as consumer interest in advanced language models continues to grow. This transition to free access highlights the company’s prioritization of user growth over short-term revenue, likely signaling a shift in strategy to establish DeepSeek as a widely adopted platform.