Free Basics: Existing users can use free net for six months

In recent months there has been a sharp debate on whether services like Free Basics should be allowed in India.

In its order barring discriminatory tariff for data services, Trai said: “No service provider shall enter into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever name called, with any person, natural or legal, that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data services being offered or charged to the consumer on the basis of content,” said Trai, adding that it will review these regulations in two years.

If a consumer is already using a package or voucher that allows differential pricing, he or she can use it for a maximum of six months.

In recent months there has been a sharp debate on whether services like Free Basics should be allowed in India. This is the first-ever such regulation from Trai.

Under Free Basics, users could access some websites including Face-book for free without paying Internet charges on the RCom network.

It had claimed Free Basics is to introduce people to the value of the Internet through hundreds of free basic services, beyond Facebook.