Internet.org

Trai shifts deadline for comments on net neutrality to March 15

Telecom regulator TRAI today extended the last date for comments on the contentious Net neutrality by a month to March 15.

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.

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.

Facebook attempts to garner support for Free Basics

The campaign appears as a notification on one's Facebook page, more so after a 'Friend' has signed a pre-filled form and sent the email to the TRAI.

Differential data pricing: Trai floats consultation paper

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) said some plans introduced in the recent past amount to differential tariff plans that offer zero or discounted tariffs to certain content of select websites or applications or platforms.

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.

We brought 1 mn people to web through Internet.org: R Com

The global programme claims to be working towards getting people in developing countries like India on to the internet for free through tie-ups with telcom operators.

It is key to get Net neutrality debate right in India: FB

The US-based company faced severe criticism over alleged violation of Net neutrality by Internet.org even as Facebook has continued to defend the initiative that offers free access to basic Internet services to consumers. India has over 8 lakh users under the Internet.org initiative.

Airtel to widen Facebook's free Internet imprint in Africa

Airtel was the first operator to launch this service in Zambia and later expanded it to three more African countries. It did not comment on a query sent in this regard. Through internet.org, mobile users can access websites available on the platform for free.

Facebook struggles to sell advertising in India

Facebook has 132 million users in India, trailing only the 193 million in the United States, according to the company, and the country is critical for the Menlo Park, California, social network's global expansion

Facebook gives benefits worth $20 mn to Indian developers

Under its FbStart initiative that was started last year, the US-based firm has provided free tools and services worth USD 50 million to help developers in the Asia Pacific region.

New Trai Chairman to take charge on Monday

A 1978 batch IAS officer of the Jharkhand cadre, Sharma is serving as Secretary of Department of Electronics and IT and has been selected as new chairman of the Trai for three years. He succeeds Rahul Khullar who retired on May 14.

FB says drone ready for real-world testing later this year

Facebook Inc announced on Thursday it has completed building its first full-scale drone, which has the wingspan of a Boeing 737 and will provide Internet access to the most remote parts of the world.

Facebook eyes 4.5 bn users with Internet.org

Facebook's project to spread Internet access to the developing world isn't just getting older - it's also targeting new telecommunications partners in hopes of connecting more people to the Web.

FB to scale up free mobile Internet service to boost usage

In a blog post released to mark the first year of the initiative, Facebook said it will open a portal allowing any mobile operator to offer the service under its Internet.org platform. Facebook currently partners with specific operators to launch the service in different countries.

5 things you need to know about DoT's Net Neutrality recos

The panel, led by Advisor for Technology A K Bhargava, has emphasised a consumer's right to Net Neutrality.

Facebook building massive wind-powered data centre in Texas

Facebook announced on Tuesday that "construction is going on and consists of three 250,000-sq ft buildings across the 111-acre site".

DoT panel against Internet.org; ok with Airtel Zero

A DoT panel on net neutrality is learnt to have opposed projects like Facebook's Internet.org, which allow access to certain websites without mobile data charges, while suggesting that similar plans such as Airtel Zero be allowed with prior clearance from Trai.

FB working on delivering high speed Internet through drones

"Our Connectivity Lab is developing a laser communications system that can beam data from the sky into communities. This will dramatically increase the speed of sending data over long distances," Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg today said on his social media page.