“This essentially redefines the notion of net neutrality and has consequences on what’s supplied as content when the Internet is free and supplied by the authorities. Internet evangelists that have position in the Internet being open to any or all meaning that all sites and programs ought to be given equivalent access will likely be let down by what the citizens need,” the statement said.

“In case the government needs to make electronic books accessible for free it can ensure they are at least accessible on all authorities hotspots,” said LocalCircles main strategy officer K. Yatish Rajawat.

“This wouldn’t be possible if free Internet is understood simply through what private Internet companies are providing. The discussion on web neutrality has to consider that access to Internet is essential and its particular abuse is also a chance,” he added.

Is the sole telecom service provider offering Free Basics in India.

The regulator said the Free Basics service of Facebook should stay on hold till the opinion on differential pricing on information services – an important part of web neutrality – comes.