In a bid to increase mobile Internet usage, telecom operator Aircel has started a new programme called Free Basic Internet where it will provide free access to the web for all users across India at 64 kbps (note that this should not be confused with Facebook's Net Neutrality violating Free Basics platform. Come on guys you can get better names), reports the Press Trust of India. Speaking to the publication, Aircel chief marketing officer Anupam Vasudev said that the company will be rolling out the service first in Tamil Nadu and across the country in a year. The company added that for new customers the service is free for the first three months. After 3 months, if users continue to be active, the Free Basic Internet service will be complimentary for those who recharge for at least Rs 150 in a month. Aircel does not mention if existing data customers can move to this plan. The report added that data contributes to 14% of the company's total revenue which it expects to increase to 30% in three years given the surge in demand for video entertainment on mobile phones. MediaNama's take It needs to be noted that 64 kbps is data speed is working on 2G spectrum. While giving free access at lower speeds is a nice sentiment, the experience of surfing on mobile web will be diminished for many sites as they are not optimized to 2G speeds. It remains to be seen how many users Aircel can convert into 3G users via the initiative. It's…
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