Facebook has acquired Finnish data plan firm Pryte as the social network continues in its bid to allow mobile users to access wireless Internet apps in less developed countries.
Pryte aims to allow users to get online via short-term passes, which would then enable access to mobile apps including Facebook. The service has not yet been publicly launched, but Facebook's spokeswoman Vanessa Chan has confirmed that the deal is expected to close later in the month.
Facebook has 1.28 billion users worldwide and has been interested in extending its reach to under-developed parts of the world for some time. This has seen them partner with wireless operators around the world in order to offer access to its social network for free in certain countries.
Reports suggest that the social media giant is interested in the team behind Pryte, which currently consists of 30 employees, with plans to bring at least some of them to Facebook.
Facebook Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg has reiterated the company's commitment to offering online access to those in less developed countries by announcing that connecting the "next five billion people" is a top priority for them moving forwards.
This is part of the Internet.Org initiative that has been championed by the company's founder and CEO, which aims to bring connectivity to disadvantaged people and has been described as an "on ramp to the internet" for emerging markets.
"One thing I think it's easy to take for granted is that most people do not have access to the internet," Zuckerberg said at the Mobile World Congress keynote earlier in the year.
"It's 2.7 billion [with internet access] and it's growing slower than you'd imagine."
The model has already been trailed in countries such as the Philippines and Paraguay, with the number of people accessing the Internet in the former reportedly doubling. With Pryte involved, Facebook will be able to test the limits of this model even further, offering options to users in disadvantaged parts of the world for getting online.
-
Security experts issue warning over the rise of 'gray bot' AI web scrapersNews While not malicious, the bots can overwhelm web applications in a way similar to bad actors
-
Does speech recognition have a future in business tech?Once a simple tool for dictation, speech recognition is being revolutionized by AI to improve customer experiences and drive inclusivity in the workforce
-
How to use LinkedIn to market yourself as an IT professionalwhitepaper Whether you’re updating your LinkedIn profile or creating one for the first time, it’s critical to remain consistent and credible if you hope to raise your profile within the IT industry
-
Meta to pay $725 million in Cambridge Analytica lawsuit settlementNews The settlement closes the long-running lawsuit into how Facebook's owner, Meta, handled the Cambridge Analytica scandal
-
Businesses to receive unique Twitter verification badge in platform overhaulNews There will be new verification systems for businesses, governments, and individuals - each receiving differently coloured checkmarks
-
Twitter could charge $20 a month for 'blue tick' verification, following Musk takeoverNews Developers have allegedly been given just seven days to implement the changes or face being fired
-
Meta's earnings are 'cause for concern' and 2023 looks even bleakerAnalysis Calls for investor faith in metaverse tech only emphasise the worries that its investment strategy won't pay off
-
Microsoft and Meta announce integration deal between Teams and WorkplaceNews Features from both business collaboration platforms will be available to users without having to switch apps
-
Facebook is shutting down its controversial facial recognition systemNews The move will see more than a billion facial templates removed from Facebook's records amid a push for more private applications of the technology
-
'Changing name to Meat': Industry reacts to Facebook's Meta rebrandNews The rebrand attempts to provide a clearer distinction between Facebook and its umbrella company
