Disappointed but will not give up: Zuckerberg on TRAI ruling


Washington, Feb 9 (PTI): Expressing disappointment on India's decision on net neutrality, Facebook founder and chief Mark Zuckerberg has said he is committed to keep working to break 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 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," Zucerberg 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.

In a separate statement, Virginia-based Protect Internet Freedom (PIF) expressed outrage that TRAI has given in to net neutrality activists in denying even basic Internet services for those that need it most.

"India's TRAI ruling is very disappointing for the millions of unconnected citizens that have never logged on to a computer or swiped an iPhone, said Jerri Ann Henry, public advocate for Protect Internet Freedom.

Ruling against discriminatory pricing for different data platforms or content, TRAI said operators cannot enter into pacts with Internet companies to subsidise access to some websites.

"Unfortunately, as governments take a more activist role in deciding the Internet's future, we can expect to see even more organised lobbying campaigns where megaphone wielding-extremists drown out the voices of the people," Jerri said.

"Here in the US, we see the net neutrality priesthood are already directing their moral outrage, public relations expertise and substantial funding to attack zero rating initiatives that get more people online. To them, zero-rating is poor Internet for poor people. But all they have to offer in return is 'no Internet for poor people,' Jerri added.

  

Top Stories

Comment on this article

  • RAMESH, BELTANGADI

    Tue, Feb 09 2016


    IT DOESN'T MATTER YOU ARE HAPPY OR DISAPPOINTED.

    IT DOES MATTER IF WE INDIANS ARE HAPPY OR DISAPPOINTED.

    WE ALL INDIANS ARE VERY HAPPY WITH THE DECISION.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vincent Rodrigues, Promenade Road,Fraze Town,B'lore 560005

    Tue, Feb 09 2016

    This step may be initiated to increase the revenue.

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • FS, Mlore

    Tue, Feb 09 2016

    because he knows only ambani has reliance JIO, others are probably all MARO...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • bhuvan, kavoor

    Tue, Feb 09 2016

    it was just a way to bring more revenue to facebook..obviously he will be disappointed..nama? nama edde buduva..

    DisAgree Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • RARESH, MANGALORE

    Tue, Feb 09 2016


    DEAR MARK

    YOUR FACEBOOK WILL NOT GIVE US BREAD AND BUTTER FOR LIVING.

    PLEASE RESPECT OUR JUDICIARY SYSTEM AND OUR LAW OF LAND.

    IT IS PEOPLES MANDATE YOU HAVE TO RESPECT.

    YOU MUST HAVE COME WITH AN AGREEMENT WITH MODI TO ADVERTISE HIS PHOTOSHOPED IMAGES TO FOOL INDIAN VOTERS.

    BUT WE INDIAN CITIZEN KNOW WHAT WE WANT AND WHAT WE DONT WANT.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Tue, Feb 09 2016

    Why has Mark Zuckerberg selected only Mukesh Ambani to distribute free internet on FACEBOOK ...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [20] Reply Report Abuse

  • troll, udupi

    Tue, Feb 09 2016

    This is exactly what happens when a single company has monopoly over the market. The initiative that facebook has undertaken might be positive, but the way in which they have set out to implement it-is totally negative. getting free access to sites like facebook is nothing great. If u want to provide internet basics to the entire population, you give access to all the websites at the same rate or free of cost. We all know this is a case where facebook is trying to create a monopoly for itself and its allies. the people who supported their campaign online should have done some research. well done TRAI

    DisAgree Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abdul Jabbar, Mangalore

    Tue, Feb 09 2016

    I totally agree with you.The idea has got nothing to do with "We care..blah blah blah".He knows there are only 2 countries with huge population that is China and India.China has heavy internet censorship including blocking of facebook every now and then which leaves with only 1 market with massive facebook users which is India.He analysed that there are hardly close to 12% using fb in india.Hence this is the way to reach out to the remaining population and boost his business.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • juliet mascarenhas, bsjai

    Tue, Feb 09 2016

    Whatever I got a chance to visit US and expose myself and pose for the photograph in spite of brushing Zuckerberg aside.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse


Leave a Comment

Title: Disappointed but will not give up: Zuckerberg on TRAI ruling



You have 2000 characters left.

Disclaimer:

Please write your correct name and email address. Kindly do not post any personal, abusive, defamatory, infringing, obscene, indecent, discriminatory or unlawful or similar comments. Daijiworld.com will not be responsible for any defamatory message posted under this article.

Please note that sending false messages to insult, defame, intimidate, mislead or deceive people or to intentionally cause public disorder is punishable under law. It is obligatory on Daijiworld to provide the IP address and other details of senders of such comments, to the authority concerned upon request.

Hence, sending offensive comments using daijiworld will be purely at your own risk, and in no way will Daijiworld.com be held responsible.