Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg “disappointed” over TRAI’s decision on Free Basics; reiterates support to India through post

It seems TRAI’s suspension of Facebook’s Free Basics programme in India did not go well with Mark Zuckerberg.

After the telecom regulatory stated that the internet service providers will not be allowed to discriminate on pricing for different web services, Facebook’s Zuckerberg took posted his disappointed on his FB page.

Zuckerberg wrote that India’s telecom regulator’s order does not go with Internet.org initiatives.

"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," said Zuckerberg.

"Free Basics works - millions of people around the world use it to get connected, including women and men who are accessing healthcare and finding jobs online. It can make such a difference. We are all disappointed that people in India won't be able to take advantage of Free Basics - but glad that our other work with Internet.org continues. We will keep connecting the world," Facebook Chief Operation Officer Sheryl Sandberg said in a comment to Zuckerberg's post.

Zuckerberg also said that the company will not give up on its goal to connect India.

“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,” Zuckerberg said in his FB post.

Meanwhile, TRAI’s decision was lauded by activists.

Many people commented on Zuckerberg’s post saying Indians were not fools and justice was done.

(Image: Indiatimes)