Internet.org: 10 Important Facts You Should Know

By Vigneshwar

| Updated: Friday, October 30, 2015, 16:42 [IST]

The term Internet has undergone more than just a name change. In the current scenario, the access to the Internet has grown exponentially from a handful of scientists to 1.5 billion people. The Internet which was invented 40 years back has changed the lives of billions of people in a short amount of time.

Internet.org: 10 Important Facts You Should Know

On the other hand, as per some reports, almost 2/3rd of the world population doesn't have access to the Internet connection. Knowing about this, the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg has started the initiative called 'Internet.org' aiming to spread the Internet connection across the world.

In order to understand the concept better, GizBot presents you the Top 10 unknown facts you must know. Do swirl through the below sliders:

Fact #1

Internet.org was officially launched on August 20, 2013 by Mark Zuckerberg.

Fact #2

This NGO led by Facebook has partnered with some leading tech companies like MediaTek, Samsung, Opera Software, Qualcomm, Ericsson, Microsoft and Reliance.

Image Credit: http://askmissa.com/

Fact #3

The first place to get Internet.org access is Zambia in July 2014 followed by Tanzania in October 2014 and Kenya in November 2014.

In 2015, other places like Colombia and Ghana got Internet.org access followed by India in ties with Reliance communications

Fact #4

On the other side, Internet.org has started some new projects in ties with other companies like AirTel and Nokia, Unilever and Ericsson.

Fact #5

Some start-ups including Cleartrip, NDTV, Newshunt and the Times Group withdrew their support for Internet.org after criticism.

Fact #6

The Internet.org led by Facebook released a 70-page report on how the initiative planned to move towards global internet access.

Fact #7

Internet.org partners also unveiled some of the innovative technologies such as Air Traffic Control, HipHop, WebP, etc

Fact #8

In an attempt to promote Internet.org, Zuckerberg announced a contest with a $1 million prize for the app that would popularize the internet among Indians.

Fact #9

With Internet.org initiative, more than 140 million new jobs can be offered with good internet connectivity, which will bring almost 160 million people out of poverty line.

Fact #10

The Internet.org can be used in Android smartphone through Opera Mini mobile web browser. Anyhow, this option is not available for iOS or Windows phones users.