Facebook may not have found the right calling with its Free Basics (previously, Internet.org) in India, but that’s not stopping them from trying other avenues to provide Internet access in the country.
The social-networking giants have reportedly partnered with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to offer low-cost Internet services in rural parts of India. It is being said that Facebook has bought data bandwidth from BSNL to cover 125 rural areas for Rs 10 crore, spanning the next three years. The Internet service may have come to fruition when Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Facebook made his long-awaited visit to India last year.
Anupam Shrivastava, Chairman & Managing Director, BSNLFacebook has purchased bandwidth from state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in 125 rural areas for Rs 10 crore for three years.
The Internet service is highly expected to be served to consumers via WiFi hotspots, called Express WiFi with speeds ranging around 2mbps as per the telecom company.
The report adds that the Internet recharges will cost as low as Rs 10 and will be serviced to users via software ecosystem that has been simplified to be used by people in the aforementioned areas.
The Internet service provided by Facebook via BSNL should encourage local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in parts of the country where quality internet service has been lacking.
Facebook’s Free Basics has been bashed by people from all corners in India and even educational institutions like the IIT. It has been tipped that Facebook is trying to hide under the umbrella of ‘Free’ to operate with services that can be leveraged to abuse existing internet protocols and standards.
Read Also: What Facebook is Hiding About Free Basics
The Express WiFi from Facebook in India will work under beta phase for now.
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