If you happen to live in Zambia, then take note of this – there is the Internet.org app from Facebook that will enable users in Zambia to gain free access to the likes of weather as well as health information, jobs, and Google Search, among others. In other words, free Internet! This is definitely worth an effort from the folks over at Facebook for sure. After all, while over 85% of the world’s population live in areas that do have cellular coverage, only 30% of them happen to have access to the Internet.
The Internet.org app intends to bridge such a gap, and it will be made available to Airtel subscribers in Zambia first. This would provide limited free Internet access. Why limited? Well, it provides access to 13 websites that will include AccuWeather; Google Search; Go Zambia Jobs; Wikipedia (now that’s definitely important!); WRAPP, a women’s rights app; and needless to say, Facebook.
The Internet.org initiative has a vision of delivering Internet connectivity to the remaining 4.25 billion people worldwide who are unable to get online. Perhaps Facebook’s Connectivity Lab could also step in to help in such a situation? Do you think the limited Internet connectivity will eventually be expanded to include other sites? [Press Release]