Two thirds of the world
Many people take internet access as standard. From checking Twitter, to flicking through articles whilst on the go, internet access, to many, is something which is simply always there. For billions of people, this could not be far from the case. Two thirds of the world currently has no connection to the internet, and Facebook’s mark Zuckerberg set out to change that. Back in 2013, together with six technology companies including Samsung, Internet.org was launched. Its goal is to expand internet access to those without it, and in doing so, make the world more connected than ever before. Since that time, it has started a few initiatives.
The Free Basics service was launched to provide free internet access across the emerging world – to a select list of websites. So far, 19 countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America are covered by the service. However, this has caused controversy. As Facebook is responsible for choosing which websites to make available for the service, it has been alleged that it favours the company’s agenda, and violates ‘net neutrality’. At present, 60 websites are available. However, the key aim of Free Basics is to allow access to health services, news, travel, and local government information, all of which are crucial. But Free Basics was only the beginning.
Facebook is preparing to launch an ambitious project to bring connectivity to the masses. Partnering with Eutelsat, the internet giant prepares to take to the skies – or indeed, beyond them. The AMOS-6 satellite will enter into orbit in 2016, and with Eutelsat, Facebook will purchase its entire broadband capacity. Satellite broadband is a relatively new concept, and with it, Facebook intends to bring basic internet services to millions. But as with Free Basics, concerns over ‘net neutrality’ remain. Net neutrality is the concept that the internet should be based on certain key principles. All data is to be treated as equal, by governments and corporations, and not to be hidden or manipulated for a certain agenda.
People or profit?
The full freedoms of internet access are already under assault in many countries, whether they are dictatorial regimes or democracies. If a government is able and willing to censor or hide access to content, and to monitor and police everyday online activity, a corporation, without the constraints of politics, may do the same.
There is nothing to prevent Facebook from slowing access to its competitors on this service. Some apps have already withdrawn from the service over ethical concerns. Facebook generated over $12bn in revenues in 2014, all of which comes from the sale of valuable user information. As the emerging markets increase, and connectivity is on the rise, the opportunity for reaping considerable profits in the emerging world will rise. By giving preferential access to its own services and away from its competitors, Facebook will try to make sure that it is the only beneficiary.
