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Mark Zuckerberg Says Universal Connectivity and Net Neutrality 'Can and Must Coexist'

Mark Zuckerberg Says Universal Connectivity and Net Neutrality 'Can and Must Coexist'

By NDTV Correspondent | Updated: 17 April 2015 12:20 IST

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Facebook's zero-rating platform Internet.org has been the subject of attention in India recently, thanks to the ongoing debate around net neutrality. Some experts argue that by offering access to select websites and services for free, Internet.org violates the core principles of net neutrality. Some Internet.org partners like Cleartrip and NDTV have pulled out of the platform, expressing their support for net neutrality.

(Also see: Net Neutrality: Startups Cry Foul Over Airtel, Facebook, and RCom Plans)

Mark Zuckerberg briefly spoke out in support of the platform earlier this week saying Internet.org can coexist with net neutrality, and on Friday, he used his Facebook page to reiterate his belief.

"some people have criticised the concept of zero-rating that allows Internet.org to deliver free basic internet services, saying that offering some services for free goes against the spirit of net neutrality," the Facebook CEO wrote. "I strongly disagree with this."

(Also see: Flipkart Says No to Airtel Zero After Net Neutrality Protests)

"We fully support net neutrality. We want to keep the Internet open. Net neutrality ensures network operators don't discriminate by limiting access to services you want to use. It's an essential part of the open internet, and we are fully committed to it."

"But net neutrality is not in conflict with working to get more people connected. These two principles - universal connectivity and net neutrality - can and must coexist."

"To give more people access to the Internet, it is useful to offer some service for free. If someone can't afford to pay for connectivity, it is always better to have some access than none at all."

Zuckerberg went on to highlight that Internet.org doesn't block or throttle any other services or create fast lanes - and "it never will."

"Arguments about net neutrality shouldn't be used to prevent the most disadvantaged people in society from gaining access or to deprive people of opportunity," he added.

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