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| META ends low-cost internet scheme for developing countries |
Meta has terminated the Express Wi-Fi Program, which aims to provide cost-effective access to the Internet in developing countries through partnerships with local communities, wireless operators and businesses more than five years after its first operation.
Express Wi-Fi was introduced in 2016. The program enables wireless and satellite operators and ISPs to build, grow and monetize their wireless businesses in a sustainable and scalable manner.
It also enables them to provide their customers with fast, affordable and reliable internet access via wireless networks.
But it's not as free as Metas Free Basics, which was overturned by an Indian court for violating net neutrality.
Instead, they are inherently cheap, starting at about 15 cents for 100 MB and $5 for 20 GB.
Facebook works with satellite companies, Internet service providers, and other companies in places like India, South Africa, and the Philippines.
"To help people in more than 30 countries expand access to public wireless networks through the Express Wi-Fi platform," the company said.
Instead of Facebook, retailers can sell access to hotspots at affordable prices that they and operators set.
Meta benefits from reaching new customers because they want to create an account on Facebook. Like Google, much of the company's recent growth has come from developing countries, where people first connect to the Internet.
Meta is ending its Wi-Fi Express plan
The Wall Street Journal reported that bugs in Meta's free internet service could unnecessarily cost users in countries like Pakistan.
Paid features are included in the free model of the service. This is true even when clips must be hidden or users must be informed of data charges.
When users click on content, they face carrier bills that are difficult for target users in developing countries to pay.
Meta estimates that carriers have been charging free users about $7.8 million per month since last summer.
The problem is particularly acute in Pakistan, which reportedly collects $1.9 million per month from users.
The company is said to prefer content offered through the free data service Discover over other sites. He also accused the company of not doing enough to facilitate access to external content.
Meta, terminating Express Wi-Fi, says it is focusing on other projects related to Internet access. A company spokesperson said in a statement: “We are continuing work on the program to focus on developing other projects. We remain committed to working with partners across the communications system to provide better connectivity.
The company is committed to working with Express Wi-Fi partners to minimize the impact on its business while keeping the network operating.