DEHLI: 100 developing countries could get free net access as Social network giant Facebook has announced an aggressive expansion of its internet.org program that aims to connect more people to the web this year.
Currently available in Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Ghana, Colombia and India, Chris Daniels, Vice President of internet.org, spoke on Facebook’s aim of expanding to another 100 countries this year.
The initiative, similar to Google operations like Project Loon and Project Titan, aims to connect the world’s population to the internet to bring increased advantages and opportunities.
Launched in 2013, Facebook partners with internet, mobile and data providers in the countries in which internet.org operates, offering free web access to people who could not normally obtain any connection to what many in western nations regard as a fundamental resource. Daniels said that the eventual aim is “to bring connectivity to the entire world.”
Residents of remote, developing countries have access to an app released by the company that provides access to the Internet.org network. It is designed to introduce people to “core” areas of the internet including essential websites like Google and Wikipedia.
Future targets for the ambitious program are chosen based on the operators present and the needs of the local population. Remote areas with little connectivity are the primary candidates. Over 90% of people who have no internet connection live in developing countries.
