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Disappointed by India's decision on Net Neutrality: Mark Zuckeberg

by IBNS 08 Feb 2016, 07:42 pm

New York, Feb 9 (IBNS): Facebook founder Mark Zuckeberg on Tuesday expressed disappointment over Indian government's decision on the issue of Net Neutrality.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday issued the 'Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations, 2016', which disallows service providers to offer or charge discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content being accessed by a consumer.

Expressing his disappointment, Mark wrote on his Facebook page: "Today India's telecom regulator decided to restrict programs that provide free access to data. This restricts one of Internet.org's initiatives, Free Basics, as well as programs by other organizations that provide free access to data."

Mark said he is committed to keep working to break down barriers to connectivity in India and around the world.

"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.

"Our work with Internet.org around the world has already improved many people's lives. More than 19 million people in 38 countries have been connected through our different programs," he said.

"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. 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.