TRAI Bans Differential Data Pricing

Mark Zuckerberg disappointed with ruling

TRAI bans differential data pricing in India: Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg says he is disappointed with the ruling.

TRAI has come out against differential data pricing by telecos and others in a new order, that was issued yesterday. TRAI’s decision will effectively ensure that Facebook’s Free Basics, other zero-rating platforms, where access to some websites and content provided for free will no longer be permitted.

Watch our video on TRAI decision

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who had personally defended Free Basics (earlier known as Internet.org ), said that he is disappointed with TRAI’s decision, but added that they will keep working to connect more people to the Internet.

Must read: Facebook Free Basics and Net Neutrality debate: All that has happened so far

In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Zuckerberg wrote, “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 noted in his post that Internet.org has already improved many people’s lives across the world with more than 19 million people in 38 countries getting connected.

He adds that the initiative has many other facets, “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.”

The Facebook CEO notes in his post that the company won’t give up on its goal to connect Indians.
“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,” ends the post.

Read Zuckerberg’s full post here.