Facebook’s ‘Free Basics’ service shut down in Egypt

Facebook’s Free Basics Internet service, formerly called Internet.org, has faced opposition in India, which has more people without Internet service than any other country.

Rather than expressing views around “differential pricing for data services”, majority of the responses have centred around comments on Facebook’s “Free Basics” campaign for free internet for all.

There is nothing wrong with allowing free access to services for people who can not afford an internet connection.

If Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) is to have its way with Free Basics, it will have to address all the net neutrality concerns already raised.

Facebook’s partner in Egypt, telecom carrier Etisalat, began providing the Free Basics service two months ago. TechCrunch has asked Facebook for more information about what caused the suspension.

The Indian government has ordered Facebook’s Free Basics plan to be put on hold while it decides what to do.

India’s telecom regulator Trai will write back to people who have commented through a template supporting Facebook’s Free Basics project to answer specific questions asked by in the consultation process that precedes rule-making on data pricing.

Sharma said more than three-quarters of these 1.82 million comments will be disregarded as they did not follow the proper format.

In all these instances, there were conditions placed on the free content which included the inability to access videos, the absence of VoIP features, “feature phone friendly” content that doesn’t require JavaScript or SSL/TLS/HTTPS and low-resolution images or no images at all (as was the case with Facebook Zero). It would be very great if what the watchman claims, actually happens; free access to the poor with the ability for any service provider or product developer to offer their services; the ability for providers other than Reliance to get onboard the program without any additional royalties or fees.

In each of these countries, the Free Basics service is facilitated through partnerships with mobile network operators that are willing to adopt the service. In the wake of all these, Facebook’s Free Basics has been banned in India and in Egypt. Authorities in Egypt effectively suspended the service when a required permit was not renewed after it lapsed on Wednesday.