Inside Facebook's big plan to bring Internet to the world

Facebook is on a mission to bring internet to the world. The company stands to make a lot of money by connecting the four billion offline people around the globe.

This summer, the social networking giant made two breakthroughs in its plan: prototyping a solar-powered, internet-delivering aircraft, as well as a lab-tested laser that can transmit data from that aircraft at 10 gigabits per second. Together, the two could offer wireless internet to even the most isolated regions.

Facebook also recently announced a deal with French satellite operator Eutelsat Communications that will use satellites to beam internet across 14 countries in Africa.

Facebook's progress earned it a spot on our recent list of the most exciting innovations of the year. Let's take a closer look at its ground-breaking tech.