Net Neutrality: Telecom watchdog TRAI bars Facebook’s Free Basics and Airtel Zero

In what could be called a big step for net neutrality, telecom regulator TRAI has clarified that none of the zero-rated products such as Facebook’s Free Basics and Airtel Zero will be allowed in the country. The telecom watchdog has barred differential pricing of data products.

“No service provider shall offer or charge discriminatory tariffs for data services on basis of content," said TRAI in a statement.

The regulator has barred the service providers from entering into agreement that will have discriminatory effect on data services tariffs. The bar will result in disallowing subsidized data packages that offers only a select services such as Whatsapp, Twitter.

"Only exemption - tariffs may be reduced for accessing emergency services or at times of public emergency," added TRAI. The industry monitor has also stated that service providers will have to pay a penalty of Rs 50,000 a day if any violations are done.


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