Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Facebook is dissapointed with the new rule in India. However, he said in a post that he will continue to work on it with an aim to provide internet access to every India as part of Facebook’s internet.org initiative
TRAI has ruled against differential pricing for data services in a major support to Net Neutrality. The TRAI ruling is a blow to Facebook’s Free Basics, Airtel Zero and other similar data services which offered access to some websites and content for free, while the TSP would continue charging for others which were not included in the program.
Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Facebook is dissapointed with the new rule in India. However, he said in a post that he will continue to work on it with an aim to provide internet access to every India as part of Facebook’s internet.org initiative
He said, “Today India’s telecom regulator decided to restrict programs that provide free access to data. This restricts one of Internet.org’s initiatives, Free Basics, as well as programs by other organizations that provide free access to data.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.”
Zuckerberg believes 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,” wrote Mark in his post.
“Our work with Internet.org around the world has already improved many people’s lives. More than 19 million people in 38 countries have been connected through our different programs.”
“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. 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.”
“Our mission is to make the world more open and connected. That mission continues, and so does our commitment to India.”