Disappointed but will not give up, says Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on TRAI decision

"Internet.org has many initiatives, and we will keep working until everyone has access to the internet," Zuckerberg said in a post on the Facebook yesterday, his first reaction to the ruling of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on net neutrality.

Backing Net neutrality, telecom watchdog TRAI yesterday barred operators from charging different rates for Internet access based on content, dealing a blow to Facebook's controversial Free Basics and other such plans.

Facebook's Free Basics plan came in from major criticism from experts who alleged that it curbed one's freedom to access the internet of their choice.

"Today India's telecom regulator decided to restrict programmes that provide free access to data. This restricts one of Internet.org's initiatives, Free Basics, as well as programmes by other organisations that provide free access to data," Zuckerberg said.

"While we're disappointed with today's decision, I want to personally communicate that we are committed to keep working to break down barriers to connectivity in India and around the world. Internet.org has many initiatives, and we will keep working until everyone has access to the internet," he said.

Zuckerberg claimed that Facebook's work with Internet.org around the world has already improved many people's lives.

"Connecting India is an important goal we won't give up on, because more than a billion people in India don't have access to the internet," Zuckerberg said.

"We know that connecting them can help lift people out of poverty, create millions of jobs and spread education opportunities. We care about these people, and that's why we're so committed to connecting them," he said.

More than 19 million people in 38 countries have been connected through Facebook's different programmes.

"Our mission is to make the world more open and connected. That mission continues, and so does our commitment to India," he said, adding that everyone in the world should have access to the internet.

"That's why we launched Internet.org with so many different initiatives - including extending networks through solar-powered planes, satellites and lasers, providing free data access through Free Basics, reducing data use through apps, and empowering local entrepreneurs through Express Wi-Fi," Zuckerberg said.

Meanwhile in a statement, Facebook said it would continue with its efforts in India.

"Our 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," a Facebook spokesman said.

Disappointed but will not give up: Zuckerberg

"Internet.org has many initiatives, and we will keep working until everyone has access to the internet," Zuckerberg said in a post on the Facebook yesterday, his first reaction to the ruling of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on net neutrality.

Backing Net neutrality, telecom watchdog TRAI yesterday barred operators from charging different rates for Internet access based on content, dealing a blow to Facebook's controversial Free Basics and other such plans.

Facebook's Free Basics plan came in from major criticism from experts who alleged that it curbed one's freedom to access the internet of their choice.

"Today India's telecom regulator decided to restrict programmes that provide free access to data. This restricts one of Internet.org's initiatives, Free Basics, as well as programmes by other organisations that provide free access to data," Zuckerberg said.

"While we're disappointed with today's decision, I want to personally communicate that we are committed to keep working to break down barriers to connectivity in India and around the world. Internet.org has many initiatives, and we will keep working until everyone has access to the internet," he said.

Zuckerberg claimed that Facebook's work with Internet.org around the world has already improved many people's lives.

"Connecting India is an important goal we won't give up on, because more than a billion people in India don't have access to the internet," Zuckerberg said.

"We know that connecting them can help lift people out of poverty, create millions of jobs and spread education opportunities. We care about these people, and that's why we're so committed to connecting them," he said.

More than 19 million people in 38 countries have been connected through Facebook's different programmes.

"Our mission is to make the world more open and connected. That mission continues, and so does our commitment to India," he said, adding that everyone in the world should have access to the internet.

"That's why we launched Internet.org with so many different initiatives - including extending networks through solar-powered planes, satellites and lasers, providing free data access through Free Basics, reducing data use through apps, and empowering local entrepreneurs through Express Wi-Fi," Zuckerberg said.

Meanwhile in a statement, Facebook said it would continue with its efforts in India.

"Our 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," a Facebook spokesman said.

TRAI says no to Facebook's Free Basics, Airtel Zero; rules in favour of net neutrality

Issuing the 'Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations, 2016' that bars service providers from offerring or charging discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content, TRAI said it would levy a penalty of Rs 50,000 per day on companies violating the rule.

Announcing the final guidelines on differential pricing, TRAI said that "No service provider shall enter into any arrangement or contract that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data services."

This statement/rule, which comes amid the debate of net neutrality in the country, will come into immediate and will be renewed every two years.

"Prohibition of discriminatory tariff is necessary to ensure that service providers continue to fulfill obligations in keeping internet open and non-discriminatory," TRAI said.

Sounding a strong warning, TRAI said no service provider shall enter into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever name called, with any person, natural or legal, that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data services being offered or charged to the consumer on the basis of content.

Any company violating the law will be fine a penalty of Rs 50,000 per day, TRAI said.

"By way of financial disincentive, an amount of rupees fifty thousand for each day of contravention, subject to a maximum of rupees fifty lakh," TRAI said in the press statement.

This means that facilities such as Airtel Zero and Facebook's Free Basics will not be allowed in the country.

The telecom apex body however ruled that a service provider may reduce tariff for accessing or providing emergency services.