Net Neutrality.

We are being bombarded with advertisements by a corporate from US aimed at convincing us that their offerings 'Free Basics Internet' is a must to alleviate the poor from the dark world, where they are with out access to internet. The advertisements make you believe that once they get access their problems may be solved and by 'denying' them this we may be committing a sin!!

If this were to be true, let me commit the sin and I may be called the sinner. 

Why? 

1. Because it is not clear how TRAI can regulate this entity whose operations are beyond the purview of Indian Law.  
2. Because 'Free' does not mean no cost. No one notices that the term charity and grant is not used. So it is Free for some but others will have to pay the bill for providing the Free services. Of course, for doing this ' noble thing the intermediary, will pocket costs for the services provided which would include the costs to service their shareholder. 
3. Because, we are not informed what this company tells its shareholder why these costs being incurred and what are the projected returns.
4. Because we could provide the lowest cost for voice calls with out the need for assistance from such corporates. So we have a model which is proven. Increase the competition and provide a level playing field; you can achieve it. 
5. Because, I would like to believe my government which may be just 69 years old but functions once in a while, to a company which is just 7 years old and may not be existing after the next 7. 
6. Because I do not want to believe in a company which cannot be sued in our courts and held accountable. 
7. Because the costs and profits generated by such a company is not taxable in our shores. 
8. Because such a company can choose to favour a political party, mostly the ruling one next time.
9. The sponsor in his Facebook campaign does not have an option to vote 'against' or say 'no opinion'. 

I did an impromptu survey amongst the persons whom I met int he course of the day at work today. Most of the elite class in the age group over 50 were against and the ones around 40, net savvy were for it. The advertisement blitz is having effect.

It is time such advertisements are regulated in future, especially, given the fact that there is clearly a 'Foreign Hand'

I hope the Net Neutrality remains and Free Basic Internet is not allowed.  I leave the readers with these two wonderful pieces which I read today.

• Crony connectivity, and Internet for us by Nitin Pai
• Nothing free or basic about it by Prabir Purkayastha