Facebook’s Free Basics nixed
NEW DELHI: India has on Monday elected for net neutrality, banning immediately any differential pricing for data – that means no content can be offered at discounted rates. The decision means that India will not allow Facebook’s free internet scheme, fronted by founder Mark Zuckerberg.
Violators will be penalized at Rs. 50,000 per day, said regulator TRAI, stressing that “content agnostic” access to the internet is the operating principle; however, data charges can be dropped during public emergencies like flooding.
Data packs that currently offer discounted rates for some content will not be yanked and customers can use them till they expire, said the regulator, adding that it is the “convenience of users” that is the over-riding concern.
“While disappointed with the outcome, we will continue our efforts to eliminate barriers and give the unconnected an easier path to the internet,” said Facebook in a statement. Free Basics has been described by Zuckerberg as a way of bringing the internet to millions of Indians in rural India. In partnership with Reliance Telecom, the scheme, which piloted in a few states, allowed users to access – at no charge- to Facebook’s own social network and messaging services, along with the content of its partners.
Facebook expressed disappointment at the Trai move, saying its “goal with Free Basics is to bring more people online with an open, non-exclusive and free platform”.
“While disappointed with the outcome, we will continue our efforts to eliminate barriers and give the unconnected an easier path to the Internet and the opportunities it brings,” Facebook spokesperson said in a statement.
Telecom operators see Trai’s regulations as “an attack on their freedom” to approach the market and expect adverse impact on expanding connectivity in the country. (Agencies)