How is Facebook trying to bring Internet connection to people in
rural and developing areas?
Why would a company like Facebook choose this project? What does Internet
connectivity provide to people?
Facebook had developed several initiatives to bring Internet connectivity to rural and developing areas. The most significant one is Facebook Connectivity, a division in Facebook with a mission to bring more people online to a faster internet. They have developed technology solutions such as Express Wi-Fi and the Magma project.
Express Wi-Fi is a program that allows local entrepreneurs to provide quality internet access to their community and earn a steady income. Meanwhile, the Magma project binds network automation, software-defined networking, and open-source to lower the cost of maintaining and setting up data networks for mobile operators.
Facebook also began an initiative known as Aquila, where they attempted to use a solar-powered drone to beam down wireless internet from high altitudes to underserved areas. Although they halted the project in 2018, the tech learned from this project is still being worked on and refined for future use.
Facebook chooses projects like this to grow its user base. If more individuals have access to the Internet, there's greater potential for them to become Facebook users. As a global communications network, it makes business sense for them to advocate for and aid in global internet access.
Internet connectivity can be transformative for individuals in developing and rural areas. It provides access to a wealth of information and educational resources, enables participation in digital economies, and allows for global communication. It can also help in developing the local economy through digital entrepreneurship and expand the reach for local businesses. Thus, it has a significant impact on poverty reduction and overall economic growth.
Facebook is trying to bring Internet connection to people in rural and developing areas through multiple initiatives, including:
1. Connectivity Infrastructure: Facebook is investing in building infrastructure and technologies to expand internet access. This includes initiatives like the development of high-altitude, solar-powered drones called Aquila, which can beam internet signals to remote areas.
2. Internet.org: Facebook launched the Internet.org initiative, which aims to provide free access to basic internet services in developing countries. Through partnerships with local telecom operators, Internet.org offers free access to a limited set of websites and services, including health, education, and employment resources.
3. Express Wi-Fi: Facebook has also launched Express Wi-Fi, a program that partners with local entrepreneurs, internet service providers, and mobile operators to offer affordable and reliable internet access in areas with limited connectivity.
4. OpenCellular: Facebook has developed OpenCellular, an open-source wireless access platform that can be used to deploy low-cost, low-power infrastructure for internet connectivity.
A company like Facebook would choose such projects for several reasons:
1. Access to New User Base: By expanding internet connectivity to rural and developing areas, Facebook can tap into a large population who may not have had access to the internet before. This opens up new potential users for their platform and services.
2. Social Impact: Facebook believes that access to the internet is a basic right that can significantly improve people's lives. By providing internet connectivity, they aim to bridge the digital divide and bring social and economic opportunities to underserved communities.
3. Future Market Growth: Increasing internet penetration in developing countries presents a growth opportunity for technology companies like Facebook. As more people gain access to the internet, there is potential for increased usage of digital services, including social media and online advertising.
Internet connectivity provides numerous benefits to people, including:
1. Access to Information: The internet allows people to access a vast amount of information on various topics. This can be particularly beneficial for educational purposes, research, and staying informed about current events.
2. Communication and Social Connections: The internet enables people to connect with others from around the world through social media, email, and messaging platforms. This helps individuals maintain relationships, collaborate on projects, and engage in online communities.
3. Economic Opportunities: Internet connectivity opens up avenues for employment and entrepreneurship. It provides access to online job portals, remote work opportunities, and platforms for starting and promoting businesses.
4. Education and Skill Development: Access to educational resources on the internet allows individuals to learn new skills, pursue online courses, and gain knowledge that can improve their career prospects.
5. Healthcare and Public Services: Internet connectivity enables access to telemedicine, online healthcare resources, and e-government services. It can improve healthcare outcomes, provide remote access to medical professionals, and make public services more accessible to remote areas.
Overall, internet connectivity has the potential to empower individuals, enhance social inclusion, and drive economic development in rural and developing areas.
Facebook is working towards bringing Internet connection to people in rural and developing areas through its initiative called Facebook Connectivity. They are employing various strategies to achieve this goal:
1. Infrastructure investments: Facebook has been investing in developing new technologies and infrastructure to provide affordable and reliable access to the Internet. They are exploring technologies like satellite internet, high-altitude platform systems (HAPS) like solar-powered drones, and fiber optic cables to reach remote regions.
2. Partnerships with telecom operators: Facebook collaborates with local telecom companies to expand network coverage and make it more accessible in areas with limited connectivity. These partnerships help in building shared infrastructure and reducing costs.
3. Express Wi-Fi: Facebook has introduced a program called Express Wi-Fi, which works with local entrepreneurs to set up Wi-Fi hotspots in underserved areas. This allows people to access the internet at affordable rates.
4. Connectivity technology research: Facebook is actively involved in researching and developing new connectivity technologies such as Terragraph, which uses high-frequency wireless spectrum to provide fast and reliable internet access in dense urban areas.
Facebook has chosen this project for several reasons:
1. User base expansion: By connecting people in rural and developing areas, Facebook can grow its user base and reach previously untapped markets. This increases the potential for revenue generation through ads and services.
2. Social impact: Facebook believes that internet connectivity is a fundamental right and can be a powerful tool for social and economic development. By providing access to information, education, healthcare resources, and communication tools, they aim to empower individuals and communities.
3. Business opportunities: Greater internet connectivity can lead to the growth of digital economies in rural and developing areas. This creates opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurship, and employment, boosting economic growth and increasing potential customers for Facebook and its associated platforms.
Internet connectivity provides numerous benefits to people:
1. Access to information: With internet access, people can find information and resources on various topics such as health, education, business, agriculture, and more. This enables them to make informed decisions and improve their knowledge.
2. Communication and social connection: The internet allows people to connect with others globally through social media, email, messaging platforms, and video calls. This helps bridge the distance between loved ones, facilitates collaboration, and fosters social connections.
3. Education and learning opportunities: Internet connectivity opens up access to online educational platforms, courses, and resources. It enables distance learning, provides access to educational materials, and facilitates skill development.
4. Economic opportunities: Internet connectivity can create opportunities for entrepreneurship, online businesses, e-commerce, and remote work. It enables people to access markets, sell products or services, and find job opportunities.
5. Access to essential services: Internet connectivity brings essential services like telemedicine, online banking, and government services to remote areas. This improves access to healthcare, financial services, and government support.
Overall, internet connectivity has the potential to enhance the quality of life, empower individuals, and drive social and economic development in rural and developing areas.