NEW DELHI: Telecom regulator Trai on Monday prohibited discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content. The move is a big blow to Facebook’s highly-controversial ‘Free Basics’ platform and Airtel’s zero-rated platform ‘Airtel Zero’.

In an order, ‘Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulation’, Trai said, “no service provider shall offer or charge discriminatory tariffs for data services on the basis of content.”

The regulator further said that “no service provider shall enter into any arrangement, agreement or contract, by whatever name called, with any person… that has the effect of discriminatory tariffs for data services being offered or charged to the consumer on the basis of content.”