Facebook Will Not Withdraw Internet.Org from India; Plans to launch low-cost Wi-Fi service

Internet.org India

Internet.org IndiaFacebook has confirmed that it will not withdraw its zero-rated platform internet.org from India. It will come up with better options to provide connectivity in the country. Earlier this year, Facebook brought Internet.org in India with Reliance Communications to offer free Internet access to Reliance subscribers.

Like many other people in the country, we also opposed this step because it violates the principle of net neutrality by offering only specific websites to users. But, Facebook keeps on claiming that its program just want to connect people and does not violates net neutrality.

“Facebook internet.org does not violate the principles of net neutrality, especially as it offers an opportunity to all developers if they provide lighter versions that use limited bandwidth,” Kevin Martin, vice-president for Facebook’s Mobile and Global Access Policy said.

Facebook is planning to partner with more telecom operators in country to bring its Internet.org to more users in India. Facebook also said that telecom operators should not limit users to specific websites. Company also confirmed its plans to bring a low-cost Wi-Fi service in country. This wi-fi service will offer Internet free or ads and videos to lower the data usage and cut the bill. Internet plans are costly in India and this is the reason why most of the users of rural areas are not connected.

“We are rolling out a kind of Wi-Fi service at a lower cost which is trying to adjust cost issue in other countries and looking out to do that in India,” Martin said.

Facebook’s connectivity team is already working on various options to provide Internet in the far areas of world. These options include solar powered drones and planes.

A panel from Department of Telecom (DoT) strongly opposed Facebook’s internet.org initiative because it favoured the social network giant and its partner websites. But Facebook is trying its best to convince officials that its program just want to bring Internet access to most of the people of the country.

What do you think about Internet.org? Share your views with us via comments.

Source: TOI

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