Months after it received flak for allegedly violating net neutrality with Free Basics, social networking giant Facebook is now testing a new model for public Wi-Fi deployments for offering quality internet access in rural parts of the country. According to Facebook's Internet.org page, the company's "Express Wifi" is live in India and it is "working with carriers, internet service providers and local
entrepreneurs to help expand connectivity to under served locations around the world". However, Facebook did not indicate if the Wi-Fi will provide limited access of a few websites, like its Free Basics, or provide full access.
Express Wifi empowers local entrepreneurs to help provide quality internet access to their neighbours and make a steady income, it further said.
"Working with local internet service providers or mobile operators, they are able to use software provided by Facebook to connect their communities," it said.
Facebook is experimenting with products like laser drones to enhance internet connectivity for users across the world.
When contacted, a Facebook spokesperson confirmed that the company is currently working with internet service providers to test 'Express Wi-Fi' with public Wi-Fi deployments in multiple pilot sites.
However, the spokesperson did not comment on the locations or the names of the partners in the project.
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