Internet.org

{{short description|Facebook and a group of zero-rated third-party websites that vary by country}}

{{Redirect-distinguish-for|Free Basics|FreeBASIC|Facebook's stripped-down zero data charge mobile version|Facebook Zero}}

{{Infobox project|name=Internet.org|logo=250px|image=|caption=|mission_statement="Connecting the world"|type=Affordable access to Internet services|products={{ubl|Free Basics|Express Wi-Fi}}|location=|country=|owner=|founder=Facebook|primeminister=|key_people=|established={{Start date and age|2013|08|20}}|current_status=Active|website={{URL|internet.org}}}}{{For2|the top level domain on the internet|.org|other uses|List of Internet organizations}}

Internet.org is a partnership between social networking services company Meta Platforms and six companies (Samsung, Ericsson, MediaTek, Opera Software, Nokia and Qualcomm) that plans to bring affordable access to selected Internet services to less developed countries by increasing efficiency, and facilitating the development of new business models around the provision of Internet access.{{cite web|url=http://www.internet.org|title = Internet.org: About|access-date = January 8, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/08/20/facebook-internet-org/|title = Facebook And 6 Phone Companies Launch Internet.org To Bring Affordable Access To Everyone|last = Constine|first = Josh|date = August 20, 2013|access-date = January 8, 2014}} The app delivering these services was renamed Free Basics in September 2015.{{Cite web|url=http://www.fastcompany.com/3051576/fast-feed/facebook-rebrands-internetorg-app-as-free-basics|title=Facebook Rebrands Internet.Org App As "Free Basics"|website=Fast Company|language=en-US|access-date=2015-11-23}} As of April 2018, 100 million people were using internet.org.{{Cite web|title=Facebook's Internet.org has connected almost 100M to the 'internet'|url=https://techcrunch.com/2018/04/25/internet-org-100-million/|access-date=2020-11-22|website=TechCrunch|language=en-US}}

It has been criticized for violating net neutrality, and by handpicking internet services that are included, for discriminating against companies not in the list, including competitors of Meta Platforms' subsidiary Facebook.{{cite web

| url=http://www.huffingtonpost.in/2015/04/15/internetorg-withdrawal_n_7071532.html

| title=Blow To Internet.org As Indian Internet Companies Begin To Withdraw

| work = Huffington Post

| date=April 15, 2015

| access-date=April 20, 2015 }}

{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/04/20/internet-dot-org-indonesia/|title=Under Fire In India, Facebook's Internet.org Launches In Indonesia - TechCrunch|first=Jon|last=Russell}} In February 2016, regulators banned the Free Basics service in India based on "Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations".{{cite news|title=India blocks Facebook Free Basics internet scheme|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-35522899|publisher=BBC|date=8 February 2016}} The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) accused Facebook of failing to pass on the four questions in the regulator's consultation paper and also blocking access to TRAI's designated email for feedback on Free Basics. On February 11, 2016, Facebook withdrew the Free Basics platform from India. In July 2017, Global Voices published the widespread{{Cite news|last=Solon|first=Olivia|date=2017-07-27|title='It's digital colonialism': how Facebook's free internet service has failed its users|language=en-GB|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/jul/27/facebook-free-basics-developing-markets|access-date=2020-10-27|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web|last=Liao|first=Shannon|date=2017-07-27|title=Facebook's Free Basics violates net neutrality and isn't even that good, says report|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/7/27/16050446/facebook-net-neutrality-digital-colonialism-internet-org|access-date=2020-10-27|website=The Verge|language=en}} report{{Cite web|date=2017-07-27|title=Can Facebook Connect the Next Billion? · Global Voices Advocacy|url=https://advox.globalvoices.org/2017/07/27/can-facebook-connect-the-next-billion/|access-date=2020-10-27|website=Global Voices Advocacy|language=en}}{{Cite book|last=Global Voices|title=Voices, G. (2017). Free Basics in real life: Six case studies on Facebook's Internet "on ramp" initiative from Africa, Asia and Latin America|publisher=Global Voices Foundation|year=2017|location=Amsterdam}} "Free Basics in Real Life" analyzing its practices in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and concluding it violates net neutrality, focuses on "Western corporate content", and overall "it's not even very helpful".

History

File:Wikipedia en Free Basics México.jpg

Internet.org was launched on August 20, 2013.{{cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/08/20/mark-zuckerberg-launches-internet-org-to-connect-the-next-5-billion/|title = Mark Zuckerberg and Malay Bhayani launches Internet.org to connect 'the next 5 billion'|last = Farr|first = Christina|date = August 20, 2013|access-date = January 8, 2014|work = VentureBeat}}{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2013/08/21/mark-zuckerberg-internet-org/|title = Zuckerberg Wants to Bring the Whole Planet Internet Access|last = Schroeder|first = Stan|date = August 21, 2013|access-date = January 8, 2014|publisher = Mashable}} At the time of launch, Facebook's founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg released a ten-page whitepaper he had written elaborating on the vision that asserts that connectivity is a "human right".{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/isconnectivityahumanright/isconnectivityahumanright.pdf|title = Is Connectivity a Human Right?|last = Zuckerberg|first = Mark|website = Facebook|author-link = Mark Zuckerberg|date = August 20, 2013|access-date = January 8, 2014}} In the paper, he wrote that Internet.org was a further step in the direction of Facebook's past initiatives, such as Facebook Zero, to improve Internet access for people around the world.

During TechCrunch Disrupt on September 11, 2013 Zuckerberg elaborated further on his vision.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2013/09/11/everybody-wants-to-be-connected-thats-why-were-here/|title=Zuckerberg's Manifest Destiny: Connecting The 5 Billion People Without Internet|last=Constine|first=Josh|date=September 11, 2013|access-date=January 8, 2014}} TechCrunch blog compared Internet.org with Google's Project Loon. Zuckerberg also released a video on September 30, 2013 explaining Internet.org's goal of making the Internet 100 times more affordable.{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57605378-93/zuckerberg-lets-make-the-internet-100x-more-affordable/|title=Zuckerberg: Let's make the Internet 100x more affordable: Working with his Internet.org partners, Facebook's CEO outlines what needs to be done to drop the cost of Web access worldwide.|last=Kerr|first=Dara|date=September 30, 2013|publisher=CNet|access-date=January 8, 2014}}

On February 24, 2014, shortly before a keynote presentation by Zuckerberg at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on February 24, 2014, Internet.org unveiled several new projects: an education partnership called SocialEDU with Nokia and local carrier AirTel, edX, and the government in Rwanda; a project with Unilever in India; and a new Internet.org Innovation Lab with Ericsson in its Menlo Park HQ.{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/02/24/facebook-led-internet-org-partners-with-nokia-on-socialedu-in-rwanda-unilever-in-india-ericsson-on-new-lab-to-connect-developing-economies/|title=Facebook-Led Internet.org Partners With Nokia On SocialEDU In Rwanda, Unilever In India, Ericsson On New Lab To Connect Developing Economies|last=Lunden|first=Ingrid|date=February 24, 2014|work=TechCrunch|access-date=February 25, 2014}} In the presentation, Zuckerberg says that Facebook's recent acquisition of mobile messaging app WhatsApp for $19 billion was closely related to the Internet.org vision.{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/02/24/whatsapp-is-actually-worth-more-than-19b-says-facebooks-zuckerberg/|title=WhatsApp Is Actually Worth More Than $19B, Says Facebook's Zuckerberg, And It Was Internet.org That Sealed The Deal|last=Lunden|first=Ingrid|date=February 24, 2014|work=TechCrunch|access-date=February 24, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/web/mark-zuckerberg-whatsapp-is-worth-more-than-19-billion-1227925|title=Mark Zuckerberg: WhatsApp is worth more than $19 billion|last=Fitzsimmons|first=Michelle|date=February 24, 2014|publisher=TechRadar|access-date=February 24, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/zuckerberg-talks-whatsapp-internet-access-for-all/2014/02/24/5c54226c-9d84-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620013628/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/zuckerberg-talks-whatsapp-internet-access-for-all/2014/02/24/5c54226c-9d84-11e3-878c-65222df220eb_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 20, 2019|title=Zuckerberg takes long view with WhatsApp, Internet|date=February 24, 2014|publisher=Associated Press|access-date=February 25, 2014}}

In May 2015, Facebook announced the Internet.org Platform, an open program for developers to easily create services that integrate with Internet.org. This was seen by commentators as a response to concerns raised over net neutrality.{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/05/04/facebooks-internet-org-project-is-now-a-platform/|title=Facebook Opens Internet.Org To All Developers In Response To Net Neutrality Concerns|date=May 4, 2015|work=TechCrunch|access-date=May 9, 2015}} Participating websites must meet three criteria:{{cite web|url=https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2015/05/announcing-the-internet-org-platform/|title=Announcing the Internet.org Platform|date=May 4, 2015|publisher=Facebook|access-date=May 9, 2015}}

Explore the entire internet (so as to give users a taste of the wider Internet and therefore help them see the value of the Internet),
Efficiency of data use (so that it would be economical for carriers to allow free access to the websites), and
Technical specifications: optimized for browsing on a wide range of devices including smartphones and less sophisticated mobile devices, and should not be dependent on JavaScript or HTTPS.

= Satellite development =

On March 27, 2014, Facebook announced a connectivity lab as part of the Internet.org initiative, with the goal of bringing the Internet to everybody via drones, acquired from the company Ascenta.{{cite web|url=http://internet.org/press/announcing-the-connectivity-lab-at-facebook|title=Announcing the Connectivity Lab at Facebook|date=March 27, 2014|publisher=Internet.org|access-date=April 5, 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/03/27/facebook-drones/|title=Facebook Will Deliver Internet Via Drones With "Connectivity Lab" Project Powered By Acqhires From Ascenta|last=Constine|first=Josh|date=March 27, 2014|work=TechCrunch|access-date=April 5, 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/03/27/facebook-joins-google-in-the-hunt-for-the-future/|title=Facebook Joins Google In The Hunt For The Future|last=Constine|first=Josh|date=March 27, 2014|work=TechCrunch|access-date=April 5, 2014}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/2014/03/facebook-drones/|title=Facebook Will Build Drones and Satellites to Beam Internet Around the World|last=Metz|first=Cade|date=March 27, 2014|magazine=Wired Magazine|access-date=April 5, 2014}} It is also communicated by the Connectivity Lab, that, besides using drones, low-Earth orbit and geosynchronous satellites would also be part of the project, for establishing internet connectivity in other areas. All three systems would rely on free space optics, where the signal is sent in a compact bundle of infrared light.{{cite web|url=http://internet.org/press/announcing-the-connectivity-lab-at-facebook|title=Announcing the Connectivity Lab at Facebook – English|date=27 March 2014}}

At Mobile World Congress March 2015, Mark Zuckerberg says that the Internet.org initiative was "willing to work" with Project Loon (Google's project to use high-altitude balloons to provide people cheaper Internet access) but emphasizes that in his view, the real work is in partnering with existing telecommunications companies to improve access and reduce costs for people already within range of a network, which he estimates at over 80% of the population.{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/03/02/and-connectivity-for-all/|title=Zuck Says "Sure", Facebook Would Love To Work With Google On Global Internet Access|last=Constine|first=Josh|date=March 2, 2015|work=TechCrunch|access-date=April 20, 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://www.smh.com.au/technology/mark-zuckerberg-shuns-googles-project-loon-to-focus-on-real-work-20150303-13t9ii.html|title=Mark Zuckerberg shuns Google's Project Loon to focus on 'real work'|last=Ramli|first=David|date=March 3, 2015|newspaper=Sydney Morning Herald|access-date=April 20, 2015|archive-date=April 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150407063244/http://www.smh.com.au/technology/mark-zuckerberg-shuns-googles-project-loon-to-focus-on-real-work-20150303-13t9ii.html|url-status=dead}}

In October 2015, Facebook and Eutelsat leased the entire Ka-band capacity (36 spot beams with a total throughput of 18 Gbit/s) on the planned AMOS-6 satellite to provide access to parts of Africa{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2015/10/05/technology/facebook-africa-satellites/index.html|title=Facebook to beam free internet to Africa with satellites|first=Heather|last=Kelly|date=5 October 2015|website=CNNMoney}}{{cite web|url=http://spacenews.com/facebook-eutelsat-to-pay-spacecom-95m-for-ka-band-lease/|title=Facebook, Eutelsat To Pay Spacecom $95M for Ka-band Lease|date=6 October 2015|publisher=Spacenews|access-date=10 October 2015|author=Peter B. de Selding}} AMOS-6 was intended to be launched on flight 29 of a SpaceX Falcon 9 to geosynchronous transfer orbit on 3 September 2016. However, on 1 September 2016, during the run-up to a static fire test, there was an anomaly on the launch pad resulting in a fire and the loss of the vehicle and its payload, AMOS-6. There were no injuries.{{cite news | access-date=1 September 2016 | url=http://www.space.com/33929-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-explodes-on-launch-pad.html | title=Launchpad Explosion Destroys SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket, Satellite in Florida | date=1 September 2016 | last=Malik | first=Tariq | newspaper=Space.com | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902140256/http://www.space.com/33929-spacex-falcon-9-rocket-explodes-on-launch-pad.html | archive-date=2 September 2016 | url-status=live}}

In January 2016, Google had exited Facebook's Free Basics platform in Zambia. They were included in the initial trial of this project, which was first launched in Zambia.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Google-bids-adieu-to-Facebooks-Free-Basics-in-Zambia/articleshow/50669257.cms|title=Google bids adieu to Facebook's Free Basics in Zambia|date=20 January 2016|newspaper=Times of India|access-date=20 January 2016|author=Kim Arora}}

= Net neutrality criticism in India =

The first Internet.org summit was held on 9 October 2014 in New Delhi, India. The primary objective of this summit was to bring together experts, officials and industry leaders to focus on ways to deliver more Internet services for people in languages other than English. Zuckerberg also met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to talk about how Facebook and the Indian government can collaborate on Internet.org.{{cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/141008/technology-latest/article/mark-zuckerberg-visit-india-tomorrow-meet-pm-narendra-modi|title=Mark Zuckerberg to meet PM Narendra Modi tomorrow|date=October 9, 2014|publisher=Deccan Chronicle (via PTI)|access-date=April 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.india.com/top-n/mark-zuckerberg-to-meet-narendra-modi-schedule-of-the-internet-org-summit-168252/|title=Mark Zuckerberg to meet Narendra Modi: Schedule of the Internet.org summit|date=October 9, 2014|publisher=India.com|access-date=April 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/facebook-ceo-in-india-key-highlights-of-the-modi-zuckerberg-meeting-237342.html|title=Facebook CEO in India: Key highlights of the Modi-Zuckerberg meeting|date=12 October 2014|publisher=FirstPost (via PTI)|access-date=April 20, 2015|archive-date=25 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625024505/http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/facebook-ceo-in-india-key-highlights-of-the-modi-zuckerberg-meeting-237342.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mark-zuckerberg-addresses-the-first-internetorg-summit-in-new-delhi-to-meet-pm-modi-on-october-10/504908-11.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010065143/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mark-zuckerberg-addresses-the-first-internetorg-summit-in-new-delhi-to-meet-pm-modi-on-october-10/504908-11.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 10, 2014|title=Mark Zuckerberg addresses the first Internet.org summit in New Delhi; to meet PM Modi on October 10|date=October 9, 2014|publisher=IBNLive.com|access-date=April 20, 2015}}

In 2015 After a lot of criticism of Internet.org which has a partnership with Reliance in India, Mark Zuckerberg replied in an article for Hindustan Times stating that Internet.org and net neutrality can co-exist and Internet.org will never differentiate between services.{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology-topstories/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-to-ht-net-neutrality-and-universal-connectivity-must-co-exist/article1-1337766.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416093423/http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology-topstories/facebook-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-to-ht-net-neutrality-and-universal-connectivity-must-co-exist/article1-1337766.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 16, 2015|title=Mark Zuckerberg to HT: Net neutrality and universal connectivity must co-exist|last=Zuckerberg|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Zuckerberg|date=April 17, 2015|newspaper=Hindustan Times|access-date=April 20, 2015}} His claims were contested by many response articles, including one published in the Hindustan Times.{{Cite web|url=http://tech.firstpost.com/news-analysis/internet-org-is-just-a-facebook-proxy-targeting-indias-poor-263778.html|title=Internet.org is just a Facebook proxy targeting India's poor|last=Murthy|first=Mahesh|date=April 17, 2015|publisher=FirstPost|access-date=April 20, 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology-topstories/mr-zuckerberg-facebook-is-not-and-should-not-be-the-internet/article1-1337944.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416235830/http://www.hindustantimes.com/technology-topstories/mr-zuckerberg-facebook-is-not-and-should-not-be-the-internet/article1-1337944.aspx|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 16, 2015|title=Dear Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook is not, and should not be the internet|date=April 17, 2015|newspaper=Hindustan Times|author=SaveTheInternet.in coalition|access-date=April 20, 2015}} In May 2015, the Internet.org Platform, open to participation by any developers meeting specified guidelines, was announced. Some commentators viewed this announcement as a response to the net neutrality concerns expressed.

The PMO has expressed displeasure at Facebook's reaction to and handling of TRAI's consultation paper, calling it a crudely majoritarian and orchestrated opinion poll.{{cite news|url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/pmo-displeased-with-facebooks-reaction-to-trais-consultation-paper/articleshow/50842057.cms|title=PMO displeased with Facebook's reaction to Trai's consultation paper|date=February 4, 2016|newspaper=The Economic Times|author=Anandita Singh Mankotia|access-date=February 4, 2016}}

An Indian journalist, in his reply to Mark Zuckerberg's article defending Internet.org in India, criticized Internet.org as "being just a Facebook proxy targeting India's poor" as it provides restricted Internet access to Reliance Telecom's subscribers in India. Until April 2015, Internet.org users could access (for free) only a few websites, and Facebook's role as gatekeeper in determining what websites were in that list was criticised for violating net neutrality. In May 2015, Facebook announced that the Free Basics Platform would be opened to websites that met its criteria.{{Cite web|url=https://developers.facebook.com/docs/internet-org/faq#addservice|title=Free Basics - FAQ - Documentation - Facebook for Developers|website=Facebook Developers|language=en-US|access-date=2016-03-07}}

In April 2015, some Indian startups started pulling out of Internet.org to protect net neutrality.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/4/15/8423075/indian-startups-leave-facebook-internet-org-net-neutrality|title=Indian startups are pulling out of Facebook's Internet.org to protect net neutrality. A groundswell of concern over providing certain apps free of charge|last=Popper|first=Ben|date=April 15, 2015|website=The Verge|access-date=April 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/indian-tech-companies-are-pulling-out-of-facebooks-internetorg-campaign-over-net-neutrality-violations-2015-4|title=Indian tech companies are pulling out of Facebook's Internet.org campaign over net neutrality violations|last=Weinberger|first=Matt|date=April 15, 2015|website=Business Insider|access-date=April 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hngn.com/articles/85109/20150416/internet-org-india-companies-pulling-out-facebooks-non-profit-service.htm|title=Internet.org and India: Companies Pulling Out Of Facebook's Non-profit Service Amid Net Neutrality Concerns A number of Indian internet providers have pulled out of Internet.org's free internet initiative, claiming they're doing it for Net Neutrality reasons.|last=Hutton|first=Christopher|date=April 16, 2015|publisher=hngn.com|access-date=April 20, 2015}} The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in January 2016 criticized Facebook for its misleading commercials and astroturfing the Free Basics campaign. TRAI accused Facebook of failing to pass on the four questions in the regulator's consultation paper and also blocking access to TRAI's designated email for feedback on Free Basics.{{cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/social/trai-slams-facebook-letter-on-free-basics-campaign-wholly-misplaced/|title=Facebook 'I support Free Basics' campaign is wholly misplaced, says TRAI|date=21 January 2016|newspaper=Indian Express|access-date=21 January 2016|author=Tech Desk}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/01/21/facebook_india_free_basics_net_neutrality_dispute_escalates/|title=India just about accuses Facebook of faking Free Basics fandom|date=21 January 2016|website=The Register|access-date=21 January 2016|author=Simon Sharwood}} On February 8, 2016, TRAI banned the Free Basics service in India based on "Prohibition of Discriminatory Tariffs for Data Services Regulations, 2016" notification.{{Cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/02/08/technology/india-facebook-free-basics-internet/index.html|title=India blocks Facebook's plan for free Internet|first=Charles|last=Riley|date=February 8, 2016|website=CNNMoney}} On February 11, 2016 Facebook withdrew the Free Basics platform from India.{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/Facebook-withdraws-the-controversial-Free-Basics-platform-from-India/articleshow/50947427.cms|title=Facebook withdraws the controversial 'Free Basics' platform from India|date=11 February 2016|newspaper=Times of India}}

In May 2017, Facebook, in partnership with Indian telecoms operator Bharti Airtel, launched a service under the Express Wi-Fi banner.{{Cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2017/05/04/facebooks-express-wi-fi-launches-commercially-in-india/ |title=Facebook's Express Wi-Fi launches commercially in India |last=Lardinois |first=Frederic |website=TechCrunch |date=4 May 2017 |language=en |access-date=2018-01-02}}

Participants

Below is a selective history of launch dates and participating mobile networks:

July 2014: Zambia{{cite news | url=https://internet.org/press/introducing-the-internet-dot-org-app| title=Introducing the Internet.org App| work=Internet.org | date=31 July 2014 | author=Guy Rosen, Product Management Director}}
October 2014: Tanzania{{cite news | url=http://www.adweek.com/socialtimes/internet-org-app-tanzania/438930| title=Internet.org App Launches in Tanzania| work=Adweek | date=29 October 2014 | author=David Cohen}}
November 2014: Kenya{{cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/federicoguerrini/2014/11/13/facebook-gateway-drug-internet-app-comes-to-kenya/| title=Facebook's Internet.Org App Launches In Kenya - Just Don't Call It Philanthropy | work=Forbes | date=13 November 2014 | author=Federico Guerrini}}
January 2015: Colombia{{cite news | url=https://thenextweb.com/apps/2015/01/14/facebooks-internet-org-app-launches-colombia/| title=Facebook's Internet.org app launches in Colombia | work=The Next Web| date=14 January 2015 | author=Owen Williams}}
January 2015: Ghana, with Airtel{{cite news | url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201501270091.html | title=Ghana: Facebook, Airtel Partner to Bring Internet.org APP to Ghana | work=AllAfrica | date=26 January 2015 | access-date=January 27, 2015 | author=Lilian Mutegi | location=Nairobi}}
10 February 2015: India with Reliance Communications.{{cite news|title=Facebook Takes Internet.org And Its Free Mobile Data Services To India|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/02/09/internet-org-india/|work=TechCrunch|date=10 February 2015}} Service permanently banned by TRAI one year later.
18 March 2015 and 7 October 2015: Philippines with Smart Communications{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-features/2015/03/18/1434997/facebook-and-smarts-talk-n-text-bring-basic-internet-mobile-service-without-charge|title=Facebook and Smart's Talk 'N text bring basic Internet mobile service without the charge|website=The Philippine Star |date=March 18, 2015}} and Globe Telecom{{cite news |url=https://www.adobomagazine.com/archived/internet-org-is-now-facebook-free-basics-partners-with-globe-in-the-ph/ |title=Internet.Org is now Facebook Free Basics, partners with Globe in the PH

|work=adobo Magazine |date=October 7, 2015}}

31 March 2015: Guatemala with Tigo{{cite news|title=Facebook Launches Internet.org in Guatemala, Moves to New Offices in California|url=http://techtrendske.co.ke/?p=4472|date=7 April 2015}}
20 April 2015: Indonesia with Indosat{{cite news|url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/04/20/internet-dot-org-indonesia/|title = Under Fire In India, Facebook's Internet.org Launches In Indonesia|date = April 20, 2015|access-date = May 8, 2015|work = TechCrunch|last = Russell|first = John}}
10 May 2015 – 18 July 2020: Bangladesh with Robi{{cite news| url=http://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/internetorg-be-launched-today-81422 | title=Internet.org to be launched today | work=The Daily Star | date=10 May 2015 | access-date=10 May 2015}}{{cite web| url= https://www.ittefaq.com.bd/worldnews/167765/%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF-%E0%A6%AB%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B8%E0%A6%AC%E0%A7%81%E0%A6%95-%E0%A6%AC%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A7| title= Free basic service has been announced to be closed in Bangladesh from 18 July 2020 }}
13 May 2015: Malawi with TNM and Airtel{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2015/05/14/facebook-internet-org-malawi |first=Edgar |last=Alvarez |title=Facebook's free internet service expands to Malawi |website=Engadget |date=2015-05-14 |access-date=9 October 2024}}
28 May 2015 and 26 March 2016: Pakistan with Telenor Pakistan{{cite web|url=http://www.urdupoint.com/internet.org/|title=UrduPoint.com on Internet.org|website=www.urdupoint.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.hazaranews.com/archives/category/internet|title=انٹرنیٹ Archives - Hazara News|website=Hazara News}} and Zong Pakistan respectively{{Cite web|url=https://www.zong.com.pk/value-added-services/mobile-internet/internet-packages/facebook-freebasics|title=Zong Facebook Freebasics|website=www.zong.com.pk|access-date=2016-03-26|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409034613/https://www.zong.com.pk/value-added-services/mobile-internet/internet-packages/facebook-freebasics|archive-date=2016-04-09}}{{Cite press release |url=http://propakistani.pk/2015/12/16/zong-launches-free-basics-internet-org-in-pakistan/|title=Zong Launches Free Basics (Internet.org) in Pakistan |website=ProPakistani |date=December 16, 2015 |access-date=2016-03-26}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.hotchpotchpost.com/zong-to-provide-free-internet-via-free-basics-internet-org/|title=Zong to provide Free internet via Free Basics (Internet.org)|last=Chaboi|first=Zulfiqar|date=2015-12-16|newspaper=Hotchpotch Post|language=en-US|access-date=2016-12-18}}
5 June 2015: Senegal with Tigo{{Cite news|title = Senegal: Facebook, Tigo Partner to Bring Internet.org to Senegal|url = http://allafrica.com/stories/201506080418.html|newspaper = AllAfrica / CIO East Africa |location=Nairobi |date = 5 June 2015|access-date = 2015-06-09|first = Lilian|last = Mutegi}}
19 June 2015: Bolivia with VIVA{{cite news|url=http://www.lostiempos.com/diario/actualidad/vida-y-futuro/20150618/bolivia-ya-forma-parte-de-internetorg-de-facebook_305556_675579.html|title=Bolivia ya forma parte de Internet.org de Facebook |first=Fabiola |last=Chambi |work=Los Tiempos |date=19 June 2015 |language=es |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620045136/http://www.lostiempos.com/diario/actualidad/vida-y-futuro/20150618/bolivia-ya-forma-parte-de-internetorg-de-facebook_305556_675579.html|archive-date=2015-06-20}}
22 June 2015: Angola with Movicel{{cite web|url=https://www.cellc.co.za/explore/services/internetorg|title=CellPhone Contracts, Prepaid & Data – Cell C|website=www.cellc.co.za}}
1 July 2015: South Africa with Cell C
18 October{{cn|date=October 2024}} – 30 December 2015: Egypt with Etisalat. Service terminated by the NTRA{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/12/30/10690714/faceboo-free-basics-internet-service-shut-down-egypt |first=Nick |last=Statt |title= Facebook's free internet service has been shut down in Egypt | website=The Verge |agency=Associated Press |date= 30 December 2015 }}{{Cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2015/12/31/facebooks-controversial-free-basics-program-shuts-down-in-egypt/ |title=Facebook's Controversial Free Basics Program Shuts Down In Egypt |work=TechCrunch |first=Catherine |last=Shu |date=31 December 2015 }} after Facebook refused to offer surveillance capabilities for the government.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-facebook-egypt-idUSKCN0WY3JZ|title=Exclusive: Egypt blocked Facebook Internet service over surveillance – sources|newspaper=Reuters|date=April 1, 2016}}
16 December 2015: Iraq with Korek Telecom{{cite web | url=http://www.korektel.com/services/data-offers/freebasics-com | title=Free Basics | publisher=Korek Telecom | access-date=2015-12-29 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104092020/http://www.korektel.com/services/data-offers/freebasics-com | archive-date=2016-01-04 | url-status=dead }}
10 May 2016: Nigeria with Airtel Africa{{Cite web|url=http://www.bip.mg/#couverture|title=Bienvenue sur la page foire aux questions|date=2016-06-26|website=bip.mg|language=fr|access-date=2016-06-26|archive-date=2016-07-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702183933/http://www.bip.mg/#couverture|url-status=dead}}
2 June 2016: Madagascar with Bip
June 2016: Myanmar with Myanma Posts and Telecommunications
February 2017: Nigeria with Etisalat Nigeria{{Cite web|url=https://www.naijatechguy.com/2017/02/etisalat-now-allows-subscribers-to-use.html|title=Etisalat Now Allows Subscribers To Use Free Basics|first=Michael|last=Ajah|date=February 22, 2017|website=NaijaTechGuy|access-date=2018-12-13}}
March 2017: Algeria with Ooredoo
April 2017: Belarus with life:){{Cite web|url=https://42.tut.by/538546|title=life:) открыл бесплатный доступ к TUT.BY и Facebook|date=2017-04-13|website=tut.by|language=ru|access-date=2017-04-13|archive-date=2017-05-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516162634/https://42.tut.by/538546|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://life.com.by/private/news/view/life_otkryivaet_besplatnyiy_dostup_k_facebook_i_tutby_dlya_svoih_abonentov|title=life:) открывает бесплатный доступ к Facebook и TUT.BY для своих абонентов|date=2017-04-13|website=life.com.by|language=ru|access-date=2017-09-18}}

Reception

=Expanding Internet access=

An article published on Datamation in August 2013 discussed Internet.org in relation to past accessibility initiatives by Facebook and Google such as Facebook Zero, Google Free Zone, and Project Loon.{{cite web|url=http://www.datamation.com/mobile-wireless/facebook-and-google-we-need-a-bigger-internet.html|title = Facebook and Google: "We're Going to Need a Bigger Internet"|publisher = Datamation|date = August 21, 2013|last = Elgan|first = Mike|access-date = January 15, 2014}} Internet.org and Project Loon have been described as being engaged in an Internet space race.{{cite web|url=http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/131699-the-internet-space-race-is-on-google-loon-vs-facebook-drones-vs-spacex-satellites|title=The internet space race is on: Google Loon vs Facebook drones vs SpaceX satellites|last=Edwards|first=Luke|date=March 27, 2015|publisher=Pocket Lint|access-date=April 20, 2015}}{{cite news|url=https://venturebeat.com/2015/03/05/in-the-race-between-google-and-facebook-over-global-connectivity-everyone-is-winning/|title=In the race between Google and Facebook over global connectivity, everyone is winning|last=O'Brien|first=Chris|date=March 5, 2015|work=VentureBeat|access-date=April 20, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.computerworld.com/article/2855979/why-google-and-facebook-need-balloons-drones-and-rockets.html|title=Why Google and Facebook need balloons, drones and rockets|last=Elgan|first=Mike|date=December 6, 2014|publisher=Computerworld|access-date=April 20, 2014}} There have also been technical debates about the relative feasibility and value of using balloons (as championed by Project Loon) instead of drones, with Mark Zuckerberg favoring drones.{{cite news | url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/685767/data-center-why-zuckerberg-prefers-drones-to-google-39-s-balloons.html | title=Why Zuckerberg prefers drones to Google's balloons | first=Zach | last=Miners | work=International Data Group | date=March 29, 2014}}

In December 2013, David Talbot wrote a detailed article for Technology Review titled Facebook's Two Faces: Facebook and Google Aim to Fix Global Connectivity, but for Whom? about Internet.org and other Internet accessibility initiatives.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2013/12/17/174918/facebooks-two-faces/|title = Facebook's Two Faces|last = Talbot|first = David|author-link = David Talbot|date = December 17, 2013|access-date = January 8, 2014|magazine = Technology Review}}

=User experience research=

In 2015, researchers evaluating how Facebook Zero shapes information and communication technologies (ICT){{cite web |url= http://www.ictworks.org/2014/08/29/is-facebook-zero-the-future-of-public-internet-access/ |title= Is Facebook Zero the Future of Public Internet Access |first= Maria |last= Andersen |date= Aug 29, 2014 |publisher= ICT Works }}{{cite web |url= http://www.ictworks.org/about/ |title= ICT Works |quote= Resource for sharing and expanding knowledge on appropriate information and communication technologies (ICT) and the implementation processes that can make them sustainable in rural and underserved communities across the developing world }} usage in the developing world found that 11% of Indonesians who said they used Facebook also said they did not use the Internet. 65% of Nigerians, and 61% of Indonesians agree with the statement that "Facebook is the Internet" compared with only 5% in the US.{{cite web|url=http://qz.com/333313/milliions-of-facebook-users-have-no-idea-theyre-using-the-internet/|title=Millions of Facebook users have no idea they're using the internet|author=Leo Mirani|date=9 Feb 2015}}