Facebook’s Internet.org seeks ties with Kenyan telcos
Facebook last month called on Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom Kenya to partner with it so that they can benefit from Internet.org.
Facebook’s plan to bring Internet access to the remote parts of the world is taking shape. This follows the completion of Aquila, a drone that beams the Internet from the sky to remote communities.
Facebook CEO Marck Zuckerberg said in a statement that the unmanned aircraft will supplement internet.org, Facebook’s connectivity initiative that is in 13 countries including Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania and Ghana.
“Facebook has made it easier for any mobile operator to sign up for and turn on internet.org in new countries through a partner portal, this will increase Internet penetration,” said Mr Chris Daniels, the vice-president of Internet.org, during a media briefing in Nairobi.
Facebook argues that telcos will benefit immensely since they would be connected to new Internet users.
“Last month we completed Aquila, our unmanned aircraft that can beam Internet connectivity from the sky to remote communities. It has the wingspan of a 737 but weighs less than a car,” said Mr Zuckerberg.
The initiative comes just a few months after Facebook set up office in South Africa marking Kenya and Nigeria as its prime targets of entry.
Via Daily Nation
