Free Basics by Facebook aims to bring “the benefits of connectivity to the two-thirds of the world that doesn’t have them.” They are developing solar-powered drones that can beam internet to rural areas. They are seeking to provide websites without data charges in markets where internet access may be less affordable. The types of content will include news, employment, health, education and location information. Facebook hope to bring and connect more people online and ultimately improve their lives. It all seems like a good cause to help the schoolboy in Asia learn about the world and the farmer in sub-Saharan Africa improve crop yields, yet critics think otherwise. They contest that it is just Facebook’s plan to have the poor in the palm of their hands as much as they already do the rich. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India criticised that having different pricing of internet was not in the interest of their consumers. India, the largest and biggest potential market after the US has banned Free Basics. Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg summed up his disappointment in a Facebook status.
Everyone in the world should have access to the internet. That's why we launched Internet.org with so many different... Posted by Mark Zuckerberg on Monday, February 8, 2016
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