Facebook wants to offer free internet service in the US strengthening its mission of connecting the world.
Cost has been the main reason for few Americans who belong to the lower income from getting online. Mark Zuckerberg and his ccompany are in the talks with the US government officials and wireless carriers on targeting low-income and rural Americans offering them free internet at home or on smartphones.
A recent study by the Pew Research Center reveals 15% of adults have less options in the internet while 48% who depend on smartphone cancel their wireless service because they can't afford it.
The free internet also known as "Free Basics" is widely used in 49 countries although controversies were linked to this application. Free Basics allows users to gain access to online news, health information, and job listings by expanding their existing data plans without additional costs. U.S. version of this app has not been determined as to what services will be offered.
Free Internet 2015 - Free Basics by Facebook by Muygech Kea
According to The Washington Post, the social media giant is still trying to decide on ways to roll out its program in the U.S. without triggering the regulatory scrutiny that killed a version of the app in India earlier this year. Going back to its mission of connecting to millions of people on the web, the success of Free Basics in the U.S. would be a major victory for the company.
Facebook has been convincing a number of cellular service providers to welcome Free Basics waiving any data charges from the app. Wireless providers who participate in the Free Basics are given incentive according to Facebook.
"It wouldn't be a bad idea to bring that here, because we face many of the same challenges in historically disadvantaged communities" as developing countries do, said Turner Lee.
"Facebook's Free Basics is yet another way competitive carriers can improve the lives of rural Americans," the Competitive Carriers Association said. The organization further added that "by increasing access to and adoption of broadband, and a partnership with Facebook would certainly further CCA's main goal."
