Facebook is inviting more mobile operators to take part in its Internet.org project to offer free basic Internet services to unconnected parts of the world.
The announcement marked the one-year anniversary of the introduction of the Internet.org app, which is offering free basic internet services across Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Initially launched in Zambia, it is currently available in 17 countries with the help of more than a dozen mobile operators.
The company is making it easier for mobile operators to join the project by launching an online portal where they will have technical tools and best practices to get started.
Facebook claims that the app brings new users onto mobile networks on average more than 50% quicker following the launch of free basic services.
More than half of the people who come online via Internet.org are paying for data and accessing the internet within the initial 30 days.
Facebook said: "As we approach year two, we’ve taken everything we’ve learned from working closely with our partners and are now ready to scale Internet.org free basic services.
"We look forward to working in partnership with more mobile operators and developers to bring internet access and relevant basic internet services to the unconnected."
