Internet is a basic necessity so why not support Free Basics

In this digital age - food, shelter, clothing and internet are the basic necessities of life. While India has over 200mn internet users, the growth of active base has been painstakingly slow.

Over the past few weeks there have been multiple discussions and debates around Facebook’s Free Basics offering in India. A lot of these discussions have revolved around the importance of net neutrality which is believed to be in danger if Free Basics was to get a nod from TRAI.

There are a lot of arguments which I have come across, following are some of them:

• Only Free Basics-approved websites will be accessible for free
• Services that may potentially compete with telco offerings may not join Free Basics
• Since Facebook does not currently subsidise free usage, telcos will have to foot the bill by raising prices
• The future is uncertain – the rules governing participation may change arbitrarily, there may be Facebook ads on the platform, or businesses may need to pay to be included
• Free Basics offers access to only limited sites. People should be able to access Google, Naukri, Yahoo and every possible website

While these are good arguments, they tend to overlook the fact that Free Basics would appeal to and will be relevant for millions of Indian’s who do not have access to internet today. We can always suspect the intention of an organization and in the process derail their initiative but in absence of any viable solution it is worth considering the positive ripple effect and change this initiative can bring about.

Let me try and place my counter argument to the points I listed afore:

• Only Free Basics-approved websites will be accessible for free

While this is true, nothing stops any website from applying to be included in Free Basics. Moreover Free Basics, is a first step for its users to move towards paid internet where they get to access every website. It should be seen as sampler for millions of Indians who have not yet experienced the power of internet

• Services that may potentially compete with telco offerings may not join Free Basics

This is bound to happen because the fees for data used by Free Basics users will be absorbed by telecos. We cannot expect them to offer services like Skype or other VOIP services which will lead to a drop in their call revenues. End of the day, all these companies exist to generate profits. The only reason why telecos would support Free Basics and absorb the initial cost of data is with the hope that sooner than later, a majority of these users will move to paid internet service. It is more like a marketing spend to acquire new customers

• Since Facebook does not currently subsidise free usage, telcos will have to foot the bill by raising prices

This may happen but end of the day, price changes are also monitored by TRAI. In fact, even with no Free Basics, if telecos start making losses due to their huge investments in spectrum purchase or any other reason, they can still increase their price. On the contrary, if telecos start seeing a high level of conversion from Free Basics to paid internet, they will start making more money and hence may not increase their price

• The future is uncertain – the rules governing participation may change arbitrarily, there may be Facebook ads on the platform, or businesses may need to pay to be included

The current approval if provided by TRAI would be basis current and prevailing norms. If there is a gradual change in policy by Facebook, TRAI and Government can always impose restrictions

• Free Basics offers access to only limited sites. People should be able to access Google, Naukri, Yahoo and every possible website

I have yet not come across any statement from these websites which says that Facebook has blocked and denied request to include their property on Free Basics. I strongly believe that most of these publishers are currently on the fence waiting for the final verdict. They do not want to involve themselves in any controversy by showing their support. Remember the backlash which Flipkart faced?

Moreover, we cannot expect access to data intensive sites such as YouTube as the data fees is absorbed by telecos and we cannot expect them to offer everything for free.

I think we must all recognize the importance of providing internet access to millions of Indians who do not have access to internet today. Hence, even if restricted, it is important to provide some form of access to such users so that they get access to basic information online.

What we must not forget is that this is completely voluntary. A person may chose to be a part of Free Basics or completely ignore it. They can stop using it at any point of time. It is not a law which every citizen of this country needs to adhere to. So all this talk about Facebook wanting to offer our poor, our young and our future a few dozen sites is a bit far fetched.

Unfortunately, I get to read and hear views, both against and for Free Basics, from current online users. There are posts on LinkedIn and videos on YouTube which is from people like me who have access to internet because we can afford it. I would love to hear from people who are not online and know from them if they are willing to try out Free Basics. 

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are my personal views and not that of my employer