Social networking major Facebook's efforts to take free Internet access to the whole of India got a major boost with Reliance Communications agreeing to roll out the Free Basic Services across the country.

In May, Facebook had launched the service offering free access to about 32 apps and websites on Reliance Communications' network in a few areas. RCom users in these areas were able to access these apps and websites without paying for data usage. Since then the number of such free apps and websites increased to over 80.

Facebook had announced this as part of the Internet.org initiative aimed at connecting the next billion users. This has come under severe criticism by supporters of Net neutrality. According to them, offering free access to select apps and websites violates principles of Net neutrality because Facebook was acting as gatekeeper to give preferential treatment to a few websites and apps

Announcing the availability on the entire RCom network, Mark Zuckerberg said, "As of today, everyone in India nationwide can access free internet services for health, education, jobs and communication through Free Basics app on the Reliance network. Today, nearly 1 billion people are currently without internet access in India. Now with Free Basic Services available to everyone in India, many more people will have access to the information and opportunity the internet brings."

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW