Facebook defends Internet.org, terms it as a “gateway” to internet access

Facebook has defended its Internet.org initiative as a "gateway" to provide low cost access to the internet after a government panel on net neutrality opposed it saying that the social networking giant was playing the role of a gatekeeper. 

"Internet.org acts as a gateway, as opposed to a gatekeeper, to internet access by breaking down the cost, infrastructure and social barriers that exist today," Facebook vice president for Mobile and Global Access Policy Kevin Martin said.

Martin said that Facebook strongly supports network neutrality and the DoT Committee's recognition of the importance of network neutrality in preserving innovation.

Facebook later opened up the Internet.org for all websites that could follow certain technical parameters. In India, it had tied up with Reliance Communications. Facebook also sought no regulation for internet based calling services known as VoIP calls.  Facebook subsidiary WhatsApp recently started VoIP call facility. The government panel has suggested regulation only for internet application that provides communication services like telecom operators offer.