Net Neutrality establishes India's maturity, says Prasad

Stating that Internet cannot be the monopoly of a few, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad Tuesday slammed Facebook's Free Basics plan and said such differential pricing modes are "plainly not acceptable".

The minister said the Trai's order on differential pricing for data services has enhanced India's image in the Net community world over and established its maturity.

"We are expanding digital India across the country, and taking extraordinary steps to empower people through technology to create a knowledge economy. The very concept of differential pricing on data, whether it is Free Basics or any other mode, is plainly not acceptable," Prasad said.

Backing net neutrality, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) barred operators from charging different rates for Internet access based on content, dealing a blow to Facebook's controversial Free Basics projects.

"I have been holding this view since the day I became minister. I fully welcome TRAI’s tariff order which has enhanced the image of India in the Net community world over and establishes our maturity," he added.
DH News Service