Project aimed at bringing affordable Internet access to the 5 billion people without it
Facebook has just announced a partnership with Samsung, Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera and Qualcomm to launch Internet.org, a project aimed at bringing affordable Internet access to the 5 billion people without it. The companies will work together on data-compression technologies and cheap, high-quality smartphones to make the web cheaper.
While it might seem like the whole world is connected, just one-third of the globe’s population has Internet access, and adoption is only growing at 9 percent. Internet.org aims to speed up that rate.
Zuckerberg writes “There are huge barriers in developing countries to connecting and joining the knowledge economy. Internet.org brings together a global partnership that will work to overcome these challenges, including making internet access available to those who cannot currently afford it.” Zuckerberg has laid out his thoughts on accessibility in a paper called “Is Connectivity A Human Right?“
The three major initiatives of the partnership are:
Making access affordable through cheaper smartphones, and working with mobile operators to extend Internet access to underserved communities.
Using data more efficiently so people don’t run up high costs. Internet.org partners may look to build data-compression tools, bolster network efficiency, and improve data caching.
Helping businesses drive access to grow mobile businesses sustainably. Partners will aim to create mutually beneficial incentives for app developers, device OEMs, and operators that will get more people online. The companies will also work together to help mobile devices support more languages to demolish barriers to usage.
The push is rooted in altruism and global community, but may eventually serve to boost the businesses of all mobile companies. By enlarging the pie — getting more people online — everyone in the mobile business could benefit. That includes Facebook and the device manufacturers spearheading this project, but also the carriers, app developers, e-commerce companies, advertisers, and even artists who distribute their work via mobile.
The Latest Bing News on:
Internet.org
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Pennsylvania awards $200M to expand high-speed internet access, and a lot more is on the way. But the looming end of a federal program that helps low-income families afford broadband underscores the ...
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The federal program providing low-income households with $30 a month for internet access, is coming to an end. More than 50,000 households in Boston are currently enrolled in the program.
- Federal internet benefits at risk in CT. Could a state bill fill in gaps?on April 23, 2024 at 7:09 am
Advocates say a CT bill could act as a 'backstop' if Congress doesn’t fund a federal program designed to get more households online.
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Internet.org
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The Latest Bing News on:
Internet access
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The FCC voted to reinstate net neutrality regulations which were first implemented during the Obama administration but rolled back during the Trump administration.
- Alaska House seeks to ban social media for younger kids, limit access to internet pornographyon April 25, 2024 at 4:18 pm
A vote on the proposal could take place as soon as Friday, and if it succeeds, the idea would go to the state Senate.
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Millions of veterans who rely on the internet for health care may lose access at the end of April, VA officials say. Over half of those enrolled in a government subsidy for discount internet are ...
- $416.6 million coming to Nevada to expand internet accesson April 25, 2024 at 2:32 pm
A brand new federal program kicks in just as its predecessor winds down -- and Nevada’s among the first to benefit.
- Academy District 20 schools to operate with limited internet access Fridayon April 24, 2024 at 5:05 pm
Schools in Academy District 20 will operate on a two-hour delay Thursday for students because of a planned internet and phone outage, according to the district.
- Georgia governor signs controversial bill restricting children's access to the interneton April 23, 2024 at 2:31 pm
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Pennsylvania has been granted over $40 million on Thursday to increase residents’ access to faster internet. The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced Thursday that according ...
- Attention to internet access is ramping up across both sides of state lineon April 23, 2024 at 4:02 am
The state of Missouri got $1.7 billion through the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to help bring broadband to areas without access.
The Latest Google Headlines on:
Internet access
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