Through media we hear voices from some people that  Free basics' initiative of Facebook is against 'net neutrality' principles.But we need to get to the details to accept the claim.What is net neutrality? and what is 'Facebook free basics'? If a telecom operator wishes, it can manipulate bandwidth allocation and network traffic to favour certain websites,applications and enterprises,obviously for money .It can also show difference in the quality of hardwares it installs.Protest against these practices is called 'net neutrality'.Facebook's 'Free Basics' initiative is along with telecom operators/carriers it will  offer certain basic internet services related to communication, education, healthcare, employment, farming etc., for free to the public.

Earlier Airtel has brought 'Airtel Zero' in which public can access certain websites and apps for free and those websites and app owners will pay charges for customers to Airtel.In this there is monetary transaction involved between app owners and Airtel.Particularly in mobile data  there is scope for Airtel favouring certain apps or websites.Bandwidth might get reduced when customers want to access other websites or apps.I just highlight here the possibility, I cannot judge the intention of Airtel without facts.According to facebook, 'Free Basics' program is open to all websites,app owners and content developers for free.Facebook or apps will not pay any money to telecom operator and  any telecom operator who is willing can join this.As per Facebook, this entire program is zero-rated and there is no monetary transactions involved .The basic question that rises in our mind is what 'Facebook' and 'Telecom operator' are going to gain by this, after all they are commercial enterprises.They want billions of people in India who are not yet used to internet to jump start or taste the internet.Through this they believe those people will eventually subscribe to normal internet and come within circle of internet(Their version says,"It helps those who can't afford to pay for data, or who need a little help getting started online").Until now 30+ odd countries including E.U. and U.S. have ruled adoption of 'Free basics' program need not violate 'Net neutrality' principles.

So moral of the story is we can support 'Free Basics'initiative of Facebook.But there are some concerns that need to be taken care of .Firstly at the program level  Facebook should not favour certain apps for any reason like  giving priority in searches and enlisting.Secondly Facebook is going to decide which is Basic and who is Basic services ?That should be impartial.Thirdly  I dont know whether terms for websites and content developer compromises with data privacy.These issues should be regulated by  TRAI(Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) that is what the job they are entrusted to, statutorily.Consumers will get benefited by 'Free Basics' but regulation must be there from government to ensure fair competition among apps - businesses.