Free Basics

According to Facebook's Internet.org page, the company's "Express Wifi" is live in India and it is "working with carriers, internet service providers and local entrepreneurs to help expand connectivity to underserved locations around the world".

'Facebook should be given a fair hearing for Free Basics'

'Free Basics' initiative, which had triggered a debate on net neutrality in the country, was shut down by Facebook here in February.

Free Basics helped one dominant player: Vodafone CEO

The social network's zero-rated plan, in partnership with telecom operator Reliance Communications in India, offered free access to basic Internet services through select partner websites.

Free Basics was helping one dominant player: Vodafone

Facebook had partnered with telecom operator Reliance Communications in India to roll out its Free Basics programme that offered free access to basic Internet services through selected partner websites.

Facebook India Head Kirthiga Reddy to relocate to US

Reddy said she along with William Easton, Managing Director of Emerging Markets (APAC) and Dan Neary, VP Asia Pacific, have started looking for her successor in India.

Net neutrality: Facebook shuts Free Basics programme in India

Facebook had met with severe criticism for its programme, which aimed at providing basic Internet access to people in partnership with telecom operators.

TRAI decision an anti-colonialist idea: FB Board member

Andreessen, or @pmarca as he's known on Twitter, wrote: "Anti-colonialism has been economically catastrophic for the Indian people for decades. Why stop now?"

Disappointed: Zuckerberg on net neutrality

However, he has said he will not give up on breaking down connectivity barriers in India which he described as an important goal for his company

Disappointed over TRAI's decision but won't give up: Zuckerberg

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.

TRAI favours net neutrality, sets differential pricing rules

According to TRAI, allowing service providers to charge differently for data could compromise the entire architecture of internet. TRAI further said no new launches of prohibited packs/ plans or vouchers shall be permitted

Internet is for all, not a monopoly for few: Ravi Shankar Prasad

“Won't be influenced or swayed by comments on spectrum pricing,” Ravi Shankar Prasad said in an interview with CNBC-TV18.

Trai to give differential pricing view by month-end: Sharma

An open-house discussion on differential pricing of data services, which was held on Thursday, saw huge participation from telecom operators, consumer rights groups, industry bodies and individuals.

TRAI, Facebook spar over responses to consultation paper

TRAI said only 1.89 million had responded against Facebook's January 6 claim of more than 11 million supporting its plan to make parts of the Internet available for free under 'free basics'.

Trai gets 24 lakh comments on differential data pricing paper

Trai is consulting the public to firm up its recommendations over services that lead to differential pricing of data or the Internet.

Facebook fights for free Internet in India, global test-case

The program, launched in more than 35 developing countries around the world, offers pared-down web services on mobile phones, along with access to the company's own social network and messaging services, without charge.

IIT profs attack Free Basics: 'Will lead to lack of freedom'

Many technology experts have spoken out against Free Basics and now a number of IIT and IISc faculty members have issued a joint statement refuting Facebook's claims in support of Free Basics and the social media giant's contentions.

FB ready for Free Basics scrutiny, open for Twitter, Google

The Free Basics service is a programme under Facebook's Internet.Org which has been in the midst of net neutrality debate.

Facebook goes all out for saving free Net platform in India

Free Basics is at risk of being banned, slowing progress towards digital equality in India," said Facebook in its advertisement around Free Basics.

Facebook takes Free Basics pan-India with RCom

Earlier called 'Internet.org', Facebook had launched the initiative in India with RCom to offer free access to about 32 apps and websites in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Goa. The number of such free apps and websites has now been increased to over 80.