Free Basics in India
The facility was launched in India in September, 2015; just ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Facebook’s headquarters at founder Mark Zuckerberg’s invitation. With Free Basics, Facebook aims at creating an opportunity for Indian developers to make their services and websites available free of cost to those who cannot afford internet access.
Free Basics was launched in India by Facebook in partnership with Reliance Communications. The service offers free internet on mobile phones giving access to 33 websites initially and then increasing it to 80 websites across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa.
Errors in the system
A loop hole in the system lies in its offerings as the free access is limited only to partner websites and applications, and fails to offer equal and unbiased access to all services.
Free Basics is a re-launch of the internet.org that could not leave a mark. It is a tool that offers free access to information through portals on news, travel, job listings, and health services. The service was launched two years ago across countries like Asia, Africa and Latin America through partnership globally in partnership with operators such as Samsung, Ericsson, MediaTek, Opera Software, Nokia and Qualcomm.
The service has been launched in the countries that have brands willing to offer services removing data charges and offering free content across selective portals.
Free Basics –favor v/s against
Group of activists which favors net neutrality has been disapproving of Free Basics. The net neutrality activists claim that startups would be severely impacted if zero-rated programmes like Free Basics are allowed in India, since zero-rating doesn’t create a level-playing field. The community has been trying their level best in reaching out to masses with editorial and news pieces.
Additionally, celebrity figures such as Vishal Dadlani and AIB too came forward to speak against Free Baiscs and urging Indian citizens to come forward and vote against it.
They question Free Basics’ interest against Net neutrality as that would mean taking away consumers right to access free and unbiased internet for all.
Facebook has been at the receiving end from net neutrality supporters from the very beginning, especially the ‘Save the Internet’ crusaders; it launched ‘Send a Mail to TRAI to Save Free Basics’ campaign probing users to send signed emails to TRAI for scrapping Free Basics.
Facebook however, is seen promoting Free Basics with double-page newspaper advertisements for days, as also through TV, billboards and online forums.
Following Facebook’s ferocious campaign, Advertising Standards Council of India received several complaints against the social media giant’s print and outdoor ads, since it speaks against net neutrality.
With Free Basics’ argument getting fiercer by the day, one can only expect more dramatic twists and turns. One a completely different note, if you’re reading this story – it’s because there is no Free Basics in India, yet.
