In a major blow to Facebook’s controversial Free Basics Plan, India’s telecom regulator TRAI barred any operator from charging discriminatory pricing for the internet, based on content.

Net Neutrality activists have been criticizing Facebook’s Free Basics plan arguing it may curb one’s freedom to access the internet on their choice.

TRAI Chairman, R.S.Sharma said, “No service provider shall charge or offer discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content” while announcing the details of the regulations, which will be effective from today.

“While we’re disappointed with today’s decision, I want to personally communicate that we are committed to keep working to break down barriers to connectivity in India and around the world. Internet.org has many initiatives, and we will keep working until everyone has access to the internet,” said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook Founder and Chief, reacting to the TRAI ruling.

Zuckerberg further added that connecting India is their primary goal and won’t give up as India has more than a billion users without any access to the internet, and providing access can create millions of jobs, spread required education opportunities and help these people come out of poverty.

The Free Basics plan is to offer free access to the internet for everyone, but only limited to a number of websites. This move triggered a lot of condemnation from supporters of Net Neutrality as they argued that if the Free Basics plan comes into force, it will offer data providers the freedom to support only certain online services over others.

NASSCOM also welcomed the move, saying that the ruling was in line with their submission of a recommendation to retain the provision for reduced rates in times of public emergency. R.Sharma, NASSCOM president also congratulated TRAI for upholding the principles of net neutrality.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a Member of Rajya Sabha said that TRAI’s ruling is a big win for Indian consumers and net neutrality. And he congratulated TRAI and R S Sharma for standing up for the consumers. He also added that Telcos controlling the regulation policies are over and now the consumer’s voice is at front.