The Facebook Internet.org app newly launched, promising to bring free data and basic web services to parts of Southern Africa, without data charges. Amazingly, about 85% of people in the world live in regions with cellular coverage, but only about 30% of the world's population have access to the Internet. With Facebook backing Internet.org, the app is set to provide access to health and employment services, along with things that most Internet users take for granted like Facebook, Wikipedia, search engines, messengers, weather services as well as the WRAPP Women's Rights App and MAMA, the Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action.
Facebook announced that the Internet.org app will first be introduced to Airtel subscribers in Zambia before it is brought to other parts of the world.
Accessible Internet Apps
The Facebook Internet.org App Brings Free Web Services to South Africans
Trend Themes
1. Accessible Web Services - The Facebook Internet.org app is bringing free data and basic web services to parts of Southern Africa, providing an opportunity for other companies to create accessible internet apps in underserved regions.
2. Cellular Connectivity Expansion - The launch of the Facebook Internet.org app highlights the need to expand cellular coverage in underprivileged regions to bridge the digital divide, creating opportunities for telecommunications companies to invest in expanding connectivity infrastructure.
3. Digital Inclusion Initiatives - Facebook's Internet.org app showcases the importance of digital inclusion, paving the way for non-profit organizations and governments to develop similar initiatives and increase internet accessibility globally.
Industry Implications
1. Telecommunications - The Facebook Internet.org app's introduction in Southern Africa presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for telecommunications companies to partner with internet service providers and expand their reach in underserved regions.
2. Non-profit Organizations - The launch of the Internet.org app by Facebook highlights the potential for non-profit organizations to collaborate with tech companies and governments in developing initiatives to provide internet access and essential services to marginalized communities.
3. Digital Services - The Facebook Internet.org app's provision of basic web services opens up opportunities for digital service providers to tailor their offerings and address the needs of users in regions with limited internet access.