Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has finally launched his Internet.org initiative in Zambia, releasing a free app for mobile users.
Internet.org is Facebook’s plan to bring low-cost internet connections to developing countries. The new app allows mobile users to look at weather notfications, health information and employment opportunities for free.
2.7bn people currently have access to the Internet, according to Facebook. The goal of Internet.org is to connect the remaining two-thirds of the world’s population to bring everyone the same opportunities that the connected third has today.
"There are huge barriers in developing countries to connecting and joining the knowledge economy," said Zuckerberg, who has also published a white paper entitled ‘Is Connectivity a Human Right?’.
Google search, Facebook, Messenger and Wikipedia are all available on the app as well. The app is currently limited to Airtel users in the country, but Facebook said it will soon expand to other parts of the world.
It is only available on Android phones, but the services can also be accessed through intern.org, or through Facebook’s Android app.
