Facebook’s theory of free internet has 8 lakh takers

And internet for all! Believe it or not, around 8 lakh users has subscribed to Facebook’s initiative Internet.org. As per a news report in The Economic Times, the initiative by social media giant, which hopes to improve the internet penetration by providing access to mobile internet to people for the first time was launched in India in collaboration which Reliance Communications (RCOM) early this year.

The company told the ET that it recently posted a myths and facts page about Internet.org to dispel rumors that it violated net neutrality.


"The goal of Internet.org is to allow more people to experience the benefits of being online. Latest data from the program points that people are accessing the services and that first time users are aware of how internet services are valuable to them," ​ ​Facebook said in a press statement.
According to Facebook, intenet.org had recorded 8 lakh users in the country in seven circles​, about 20% of​ ​​wh​om ​were previously not active on mobile data.​ For new internet users acquired by Internet.org, only 7% of data usage was Internet.org (including Free FB).

"The goal is to extend the services to the rest of the country in a phased manner, and gradually add more telecom operators and services ranging from news, maternal health, travel, local jobs, sports, communication, and local government information," the statement said.

(Image: India Times)