Facebook’s Free Basics program, is a new project that deals with giving a free access to the Internet for the people in India especially those who are in need. It attempts to bring free internet to developing areas but had quite a messy launch. After getting banned in India, now Facebook is trying a different approach.
Facebook’s Free Basic Express WiFi Goes Live In India
According to The Next Web, with Express Wifi, Facebook says it’s working with “carriers, internet service providers, and local entrepreneurs to help expand connectivity to underserved locations.” The company is likely starting with India to make up for the drama over Free Basics.
Unlike Free Basics, Express Wifi is not free. The program allows customers to purchase affordable data packs for access via Wifi, according to a spokesperson from India.Therefore, all, including local ISPs, operators and retailers can have a sustainable economic model, and scale to “bring all of India online.”
"I think it's a great initiative, we need more companies providing access to the internet in India," said Nikhil Pahwa, editor, and publisher of MediaNama, an Indian news site. "So long as they don't only provide access to certain websites or under certain conditions, then this is a great thing."
The Express WiFi by Facebook
According to their site, the team of Express Wifi, we’re working with carriers, internet service providers, and local entrepreneurs to help expand connectivity to underserved locations around the world. We’re currently live in India and are expanding to other regions soon.
As its goal is to empower local entrepreneurs to help provide quality internet access to their neighbors and make a steady income. Working with local internet service providers or mobile operators, they’re able to use software provided by Facebook to connect their communities.
“When people are able to purchase fast, affordable and reliable internet, they’re able to explore the range of information it has to offer including news, education, health, job postings, entertainment, and communication tools like Facebook,” The Daily Caller said.
