Facebook is reportedly bringing its campaign to connect millions more people to the Web to its own backyard.
As The Washington Post reports, the social network is reportedly in talks with government officials and wireless carriers to bring its Free Basics mobile app to North America and serve the 37 million US residents who are not currently using the Internet. Facebook is reportedly looking for a way to roll out Free Basics without running afoul of net neutrality rules, which derailed the program in India.
Similar to global versions, the US Free Basics would target low-income and rural Americans who can’t afford a reliable, high-speed Web connection at home or on their phone. The app allows folks to stretch their data plans by offering free Internet access to online resources like news, health information, and job offers.
Exactly which apps will be included have not been determined, though Facebook will likely be among them.
“While we have nothing to announce, Facebook’s mission is to connect the world and we’re always exploring ways to do that, including in the United States,” the company told the Post.
Facebook did not immediately respond to PCMag‘s request for comment.
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SOURCE: PC Mag, Stephanie Mlot
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