Facebook Expands Its Express Wi-Fi Program For Developing Markets Via Hardware Partnerships (techcrunch.com) 20
Facebook is today launching a partner program for its Express Wi-Fi initiative, which helps bring higher-speed connections to developing markets, including India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania. From a report: The program itself involves having local business owners install Wi-Fi hotspots, where internet service is provided by local ISPs, mobile network operators, and others that Facebook has partnered with. Now, Facebook is launching a new partner program that will allow access point manufacturers to build devices compatible with Express Wi-Fi. Its debut lineup of partners for "Express Wi-Fi Certified," as the partner program is called, include Arista, Cambium Networks, and Ruckus Networks, an ARRIS Company. Facebook first began testing Express Wi-Fi three years ago, and has since expanded it to the five above countries and 10 partners.
Facebook plans to be the internet. (Score:3)
This is kind of disturbing. In the developed world, Facebook is something you get to on the internet. In these developing markets, though, Facebook plans to be the internet.
Re: (Score:1)
Reminds me of the 90s when a section of people thought AOL = the Internet.
Re: Facebook plans to be the internet. (Score:1)
They've tried this before. Subtle tricks like acquring the Internet.org domain and putting out huge billboards advertising their zero free on ramps.
They had tied up with operators like Airtel to offer free access to Facebook.
Under pressure, the TRAI looked into it and passed one of the strongest net neutrality regimes in the world.
Underserved Third World Countries like Vermont? (Score:2)
I look forward to connecting to this thing called the Internet...