Zuckerberg “Disappointed” With TRAI’s Stand on Net Neutrality

Mark Zuckerberg says he is committed to keep working to break down connectivity barriers in India & around the world

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg during his visit to India. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook.com/Zuck)

Expressing disappointment at India’s decision on net neutrality, Facebook founder and chief Mark Zuckerberg said that he is committed to continuing work towards breaking down connectivity barriers in India and around the world.

Internet.org has many initiatives, and we will keep working until everyone has access to the internet.

Zuckerberg in a post on Facebook

Facebook’s Free Basics plan came in for major criticism from activists 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.

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.

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.

Also read:

• FAQ: Here’s What the TRAI Verdict on Net Neutrality Tells Us
  
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• TRAI Ruling for No Differential Pricing Receives Mixed Response
  
• Facebook Free Basics: What the Hell Is It & Why You Should Care