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from the well-you've-got-to-start-somewhere dept.
The company announced the Internet.org app on Thursday, a way for people in developing countries to use free data and access Facebook, Google search and other online resources. Through a partnership with telecom provider Airtel, the Internet.org app will be available for free, initially rolling out in Zambia.
Facebook plans to connect the world by deploying things like satellites and drones to power data connectivity in countries like Zambia, and partner with mobile operators like Airtel to provide free services.
This data doesn't cost Facebook a dime, because Airtel pays for its users' free access. This partnership works for both companies if people can use Facebook for free, they'll likely sign up for an account to stay connected to friends and family, and, when Internet.org users are ready to leave the confines of the free data, Airtel will be able to get more people to pay for it.
If users go outside of the 13 different free websites (listed in the link) -- say, by clicking on a link in a Facebook post -- they'll be notified that data charges will apply.
(Score: 2, Insightful) by Adamsjas on Sunday August 03 2014, @08:48AM
I remember a discussion about some companies paying their way onto ISPs where they were trying to make the web like TV channels, buy a package of channels for dirt cheap.
I think it was this article: https://soylentnews.org/article.pl?sid=14/07/31/1329207 [soylentnews.org]
About sprints sad 12 dollar facebook only plan.
So now they are going to try it on on those third world nations? Somebody needs to kill facebook somehow.
(Score: 3, Insightful) by Bot on Sunday August 03 2014, @09:33AM
I guess that the only way to have real internet is to make or join a mesh network, with blackjack and hookers. The mere fact that the connections are still asymmetric tells a lot about user's planned come ad a consumer. Tech will make this easy, laws will make this difficult.
Account abandoned.
(Score: 2) by ticho on Sunday August 03 2014, @11:06PM
I agree, it's a bad approach. Facebook is basically bringing up new, docile eyeballs which will know nothing more than the few "sanctified" websites. Because let's face it, most of the users there won't be paying extra for full Internet access.