Facebook 'Save Free Basics' campaign pushes users to send messages to TRAI

Written By DNA Web Team | Updated: Dec 17, 2015, 01:30 PM IST

Facebook has recently launched a campaign which encourages them to send a message to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in support of Free Basics in India.

Facebook has recently launched a campaign which encourages them to send a message to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in support of Free Basics in India.

The social network site has encouraged Facebook users to to push for its Free Basics project that allows telecom companies free internet access to selected websites and apps. The campaign called 'Act Now to Save Free Basics in India' asked users to send a message on Facebook's behalf to TRAI which says, “I support Free Basics in India”.

The response pre-drafted by Facebook said that “I support digital equality for India. Free Basics provides free access to essential internet services, such as communication, education, healthcare, employment, farming information and more. It helps those who can't afford to pay for data, or who need a little help with getting started online.”

It further said that over a billion Indians would be hurt by the shutting down of the Free Basics program.

“But Free Basics is in danger in India. A small, vocal group of critics are lobbying to have Free Basics banned on the basis of net neutrality. Instead of giving people access to some basic Internet services for free, they demand that people pay equally to access all Internet services, even if that means 1 billion people can't afford to access any services... Unless you take action now, India could lose access to free basic Internet services, delaying progress towards digital equality for all Indians. Tell the TRAI that you support Free Basics and digital equality in India,” the Facebook message said.


This campaign by Facebook comes just a week after TRAI had issued a new consultation paper on differential pricing for data services which invited comments on December 9. The deadline it set for recommendations and comments by December 30.