Mark Zuckerberg is understandably disappointed that Facebook's efforts to bring India online hit a wall, but he pledges to keep fighting for Free Basics.
For those unfamiliar with the matter, here's the deal. Facebook's Free Basics program aims to bring Internet access to developing countries worldwide through the Internet.org group and partnerships with local carriers. The project would bring free Internet access to users in targeted areas, but just to specific websites such as Facebook, Wikipedia, the BBC and others.
Free Basics sparked various net neutrality concerns and India ultimately decided to block the initiative. The ruling marks a big setback for Facebook's efforts to ensure its Free Basics project remains in place and complies with all laws and regulations.
In the aftermath of India's Free Basics ban, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg took to his Facebook page to comment on the matter. The executive expresses his disappointment with this outcome, but says that it's not over just yet.
"While we're disappointed with today's decision, I want to personally communicate that we are committed to keep working to break down barriers to connectivity in India and around the world," says Zuckerberg.
The Facebook CEO further notes that Internet.org still has plenty of other initiatives, and Facebook will not rest until it finds a way to provide Internet access to everyone.
"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," Zuckerberg adds. "We know that connecting them can help lift people out of poverty, create millions of jobs and spread education opportunities. We care about these people, and that's why we're so committed to connecting them."
Facebook has so far managed to connect north of 19 million people over 38 countries worldwide, through different programs part of Internet.org. The company believes its initiative already helped many people and can keep helping a lot more.
The issue with Free Basics, however, lies in Facebook's policy of offering access only to some websites and content. Net neutrality concerns argue that Facebook should not act as a gatekeeper for the Internet, delivering only "slices" of Internet with a few pages it deems worthy. Indian startup founders also expressed concerns that Free Basics could leave them at a significant competitive disadvantage.
Ending this whole debacle, India simply banned Free Basics on Monday, explaining that telecom companies could not condition the cost of Internet access depending on the site being accessesed.
Zuckerberg may be determined not to give up on Facebook's Free Basics program in India, but it remains to be seen what could change the current situation.
