On Facebook, Zuckerberg says disappointed with Trai directive

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has expressed has disappointment with telecom regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai)’s rules on disallowing differential pricing of data services, which makes Facebook's Free Basics a non-starter in India.

In a Facebook post late on Monday, Zuckerburg 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.” 

Free Basics allows mobile users to access certain websites without incurring any data charges. It was launched in India in partnership with Reliance Communications, but late last year Trai asked the telecom firm to suspend operations till the regulator approved the initiative. 

Trai on Monday barred all forms of differential pricing of data services, except during emergencies, delivering a big blow to Free Basics and Airtel Zero (Bharti Airtel’s differential pricing platform) while upholding the principles of net neutrality. Free Basics is operational in about 19 countries including Africa.
 

“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.”
 

“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,” Zuckerberg added.

Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg said in a comment to Zuckerberg’s post, “Free Basics works — millions of people around the world use it to get connected, including women and men who are accessing health care and finding jobs online. It can make such a difference. We are all disappointed that people in India won’t be able to take advantage of Free Basics — but glad that our other work with Internet.org continues. We will keep connecting the world.”