Guess! How much Mark Zuckerberg spent on ad blitzkrieg to promote Free Basics in India

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg voiced disappointment over India's telecom regulator's decision on net neutrality. At the same time, he added that he is committed to keep working to break down barriers to internet connectivity in India. 

If Zuckerberg is disappointed, he has valid reasons to be. Not just his tactical strategy, a huge sum of money was spent on marketing and advertising Free Basics in India.

As per reports, he spent Rs 300 crore on promoting Free Basics campaign in India.

No doubt, it is being called the most ambitious campaign that the company has undertaken in India.

The advertisements were aimed at reinforcing a message that Free Basic will offer free internet services to those , particularly in rural India, where the poor were not able to offer connectivity, and alleviate their economic condition.

The advertising blitzkrieg to promote Free Basic was unleashed through text messages, hoarding, double spread ads in national newspapers. He himself tirelessly promoted the service in India. Joining hands hands with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India Campaign, attending Town Hall meeting in Delhi, all was aimed at increasing visibility to his programme.