# Inclusive Internet Initiatives Facebook is Launching a Free WiFi Program for Students in NC By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-07-16 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-wifi-program References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2014/07/15/facebook-free-wifi/) & [facebook](https://www.facebook.com/notes/forest-city-data-center/the-power-of-connectivity/814860118539353) Believing in the power of connectivity, [Facebook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebook-debuts-at-stagecoach) recently announced they will be instituting a free WiFi program for high school students. Students in the Rutherford County School District in Forest City, North Carolina will be receiving free wireless internet access as part of this pilot program, launched one year after the unveiling of Internet.org. This test includes 75 to 100 homes, but that range is expected to increase soon. The free WiFi program is part of Facebook's global initiative to get the entire world online and [increase internet connectivity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spacex-directtocell-program) in developing countries. There have been rampant rumors of teens leaving Facebook for months, so this high schooler-targeting campaign could be Facebook's response to the issue. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Internet](https://www.trendhunter.com/internet) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Free Wifi Programs:** The launch of free WiFi programs for specific groups, such as high school students, presents an opportunity for companies to offer innovative connectivity solutions tailored to different demographics. - **Global Internet Connectivity Initiatives:** As Facebook continues its global initiative to increase internet connectivity, there is an opportunity for tech companies to collaborate and develop inclusive internet projects that bridge the digital divide. - **Targeted Social Media Campaigns:** Amid rumors of teens leaving Facebook, this high schooler-targeting campaign highlights the potential for companies to focus on specific demographics and create disruptive social media strategies. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Telecommunications:** Free WiFi programs and increased demand for internet connectivity present disruptive innovation opportunities for telecommunications companies to develop advanced wireless solutions and expand their reach. - **Tech Startups:** With the global push for internet connectivity, there is potential for tech startups to create innovative solutions that address the digital divide and provide access to underserved populations. - **Digital Marketing:** Targeted social media campaigns, like Facebook's high schooler initiative, highlight the need for innovative digital marketing strategies that engage specific demographics and combat user churn. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Free On-Board Wifi Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/delta-air-lines.md) - [Fast Airline Wi-Fi Offerings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aeroplan-members1.md) - [Free Inflight Wi-Fi Perks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-inflight-wi.md) - [Sponsored In-Flight Wi Fi Perks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sponsored-in-flight-wi.md) - [Complimentary Airplane WiFi Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/british-airways-and-starlink.md) - [Connection Platform Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebook-debuts-at-stagecoach.md) - [Affordable Wi-Fi Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-wifi.md) - [College-Focused Social Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiktoks-campus-verification.md) - [In-Flight Wi-Fi Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/china-airlines1.md)