Social networking giant Facebook has pulled the plug on its controversy-ridden ‘Free Basics’ programme in India, days after telecom regulator TRAI barred operators from charging discriminatory rates for Internet access based on content. Launched in 2014, Facebook is running the programme across 17 countries.
Adopt open source for connectivity: TRAI
While Facebook is working on a venture that deploys drones in remote and rural areas to provide Internet connectivity, Google’s Project Loon envisages use of helium-filled balloons to provide data connectivity in remote regions. The two are trying these approaches as alternative models to reach data connectivity aerially to users instead of the traditional route of installing towers and optic …
TRAI for PPP model for Bharat Net Project
TRAI has recommended public private partnership (PPP) model for the roll out of the Bharat Net project. Bharat Net seeks to connect all of India’s households, particularly in rural areas, through broadband by 2017, forming the backbone of government’s ambitious Digital India programme. At present, a special purpose vehicle, Bharat Broadband Network Ltd (BBNL), under the telecom ministry is handling …