Save the Internet

IndianMascot

Core Member
All those who are supporting free basics are idiots and most of them would be thinking that Facebook is also known as internet
 

Devesh

Core Member
Exactly.. i dont know why people want everything free... we can say that they shud provide things r an affordable price not free....
 

IndianMascot

Core Member
Free Basics is just a start. If this is allowed in future operators will come up with plans where they will ask us for pay 10-20 Rs and allow only 1-2 websites. So Internet will become Complete mess.
 

Technoglitch

Core Member
Demonstrations have given a completely new dimension to the agitation against the Free Basics initiative by Facebook. It may sound natural for the protest rallies and demonstrations to happen in Hyderabad, where the India office of Facebook is located. The pro-net neutrality agitators describe it as a manifestation of the nation’s mood against the attempts for a monopoly on internet.

With the TRAI’s deadline for submission of views is 7 January on Facebook’s attempt to provide Free Basics services by widening the user base of internet in India, the net neutrality crusaders have stepped up their campaign on and off line against it.

The last three days of the deadline are crucial. The decision of TRAI hinges on the support mustered by the net-neutrality activists, who see the statement of professors from IIT and IISc in support of net neutrality and raising the concerns over the challenges arising out of FreeBasics as a morale booster.

Sidhartha Malempati, vice-president of Swecha, says that there are a lot of Indian companies that have expressed their concerns and voted against Free Basics. They expect more of this to happen in coming three days. “Facebook has responded to our questions on info.internet.org. This shows how seriously FB has taken us. We will respond to those and do our bit to take this to a larger audience. Apart from this, we will spread awareness among people using social media and other means, including traditional media,” says Kiran Chandra.

Free Basics: Net neutrality crusaders take to the streets in Hyderabad - Firstpost
 

Technoglitch

Core Member
Dont be fooled by FB and look at FB's template reply
Question 1: Should the TSPs be allowed to have differential pricing for data usage for accessing different websites, applications or platforms?

Facebook’s response: “It is not clear that the Free Basics program should be considered as differential pricing, but even if it is, Free Basics should be allowed under any regulatory framework adopted by TRAI.” The answer adds that Free Basics is pro-consumer, pro-competition, non exclusive and available to all operators on the same terms and conditions (T&C). It also states that FB is open and non discriminatory, does not charge for accessing content, is transparent and does not pay carriers to exempt content from usage limits.

Question 2: If differential pricing for data usage is permitted, what measures should be adopted to ensure that the principles of non-discrimination, transparency, affordable Internet access, competition and market entry and innovation are addressed?

Facebook’s response: The company states that FB meets all criteria of helping expand connectivity, is free for both consumers and content providers, non exclusive to operators, open to content providers and transparent of its practices and hence should be considered.

Question 3: Are there alternative methods/technologies/business models, other than differentiated tariff plans, available to achieve the objective of providing free Internet access to the consumers? If yes, please suggest/describe these methods/technologies/business models. Also, describe the potential benefits and disadvantages associated with such methods/technologies/business models.

Facebook’s response: Facebook says that there are various models to provide free internet access to consumers, but FB should be allowed under any regulatory framework. It adds that Free Basics brings new users onto the carrier’s mobile network, at 50% faster than before the launch of FB. It also reiterates that in countries where FB was launched, more than 50% of users coming online through FB chose to pay for data and access the full internet within 30 days.

Question 4: Is there any other issue that should be considered in the present consultation on differential pricing for data services?

Facebook’s response: The company says that since 80% of India’s 1.2 billion people are not connected, “the TRAI must ensure that regulatory intervention does not end up depriving people of the opportunity to come online.” According to Facebook, the TRAI needs to “create a regulatory environment where access-expanding programs can flourish.”



Facebook releases new set of responses in support of Free Basics - MediaNama
 

IndianMascot

Core Member
Who will make the idiots of Facebook to understand that Free Basic is dangerous for us. Wo saale to facebook me hi khush hai.
 
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