Facebook renewed its efforts to bring affordable internet access to India with its launch of Express Wifi.
The social network launched its Internet.org Free Basics free access to select applications and web services throughout India in November 2015, but this move came under fire, with Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg resorting to an op-ed in The Times of India to defend the offering.
In February, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India enacted net-neutrality rules, which spelled the end for Free Basics in the country.
The description of Express Wifi follows from its website:
With Express Wifi, we?re working with carriers, internet-service providers and local entrepreneurs to help expand connectivity to underserved locations around the world. We?re currently live in India, and we are expanding to other regions soon. Express Wifi empowers local entrepreneurs to help provide quality internet access to their neighbors and make a steady income. Working with local internet service providers or mobile operators, they?re able to use software provided by Facebook to connect their communities.
When people are able to purchase fast, affordable and reliable internet, they?re able to explore the range of information it has to offer including news, education, health, job postings, entertainment and communication tools like Facebook.
Readers: What are your initial thoughts on the launch of Express Wifi in India"
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