Inspiration and Vision:
Mark Zuckerberg believes that Internet connectivity is a powerful tool for improving lives by providing access to education, healthcare, jobs, and communication. Currently, only around 33% of the world’s population has Internet access, which leaves a significant number of people disconnected from the modern world.

Economic Impact:
Studies have shown that Internet access can drive significant economic growth, with over 20% of GDP growth in developing countries attributed to Internet connectivity. Connecting a billion more people to the Internet could create over 100 million new jobs and lift many people out of poverty.

Belief and Commitment:
At Facebook, there is a deep belief that technology should serve everyone and that connectivity should not be a privilege limited to wealthy nations. The company considers connecting everyone in the world to the Internet as one of the greatest challenges of this generation and is committed to playing a role in achieving this goal.

Technical Barrier:
Lack of access to a network is a significant technical barrier to connectivity. Solutions include satellite and drone technologies to create connectivity in remote areas.

Affordability Barrier:
Many people can’t afford to pay for data, even if they have access to a network. Solutions involve making network infrastructure and apps more efficient to reduce data consumption.

Social Barrier:
The biggest hurdle is the social challenge, where many people don’t understand or see the value of using the Internet. Providing free basic services and education can help bridge this knowledge gap.

Collaborative Approach:
Zuckerberg emphasizes the importance of collaborating with operators and governments to address the social barrier and help people understand the benefits of Internet access.

The Business Case for Internet.org:
Despite the potential profits from serving the first billion users, Facebook believes it is more important to prioritize the next two-thirds of the world who lack internet access. This aligns with Facebook’s mission to help connect the world and its long-term vision of developing these economies, which could eventually benefit the company.

Challenges of Profitability in Developing Markets:
Many people in developing countries cannot afford data access, making traditional advertising models less viable. Supporting Facebook’s services and storing user content costs money, potentially resulting in losses for the company in the near term.

Internet.org as a “911 for the Internet”:
Facebook believes basic internet access should be considered a human right, similar to 911 emergency services. The model involves offering a limited set of essential services, such as health information, education, job tools, and basic communication, for free. These services can be delivered cheaply, using less than 1% of the overall infrastructure, making it feasible for operators to offer them without charge.

Benefits to Users:
Free internet access encourages more people to use data and the internet, allowing them to access valuable tools and information. Once users understand the value of the internet, they are more likely to pay for data, benefiting the operators and enabling them to invest in better infrastructure.

Sustainability and Expansion:
Facebook has worked with partners in countries like Indonesia, the Philippines, Zambia, and Kenya to refine and implement the Internet.org model successfully. The model has gained momentum, attracting interest from other countries and operators who see the potential benefits of delivering basic internet services for free.

Advertising and Revenue:
Currently, advertising is not a significant focus for Internet.org, as many developing countries do not have a large ad market. Facebook’s primary focus is on improving the quality of ads and business experience in developed markets, which drives its profitability and revenue more effectively.

Internet Empowerment:
Zuckerberg highlights the transformative power of the Internet, enabling people to access information, connect with others, and participate in the global economy.

Facebook’s Partnership with Airtel in Zambia:
Within weeks of rolling out free basic services, users were sharing stories of how the Internet had positively impacted their lives. Pregnant mothers accessed vital safety and health information. A poultry farmer increased sales through a Facebook page. A university student saved money on books using Wikipedia.

The Role of Internet.org:
Internet.org aims to connect people to the modern economy through affordable Internet access.

Data Collection:
Zuckerberg asserts that data collection practices for Internet.org are consistent with regular Facebook usage.

Collaboration with Mobile Operators:
Zuckerberg emphasizes the importance of partnering with mobile operators, such as Airtel, to ensure a user-friendly experience.

Monetization and Sustainability:
Users can seamlessly purchase data when they want to access richer content, benefiting both users and mobile operators. This model encourages users to discover the value of online content while enabling operators to generate revenue for network expansion.

Google’s Project Loon and Fiber:
Zuckerberg recognizes Google’s efforts to connect the world through Project Loon and Google Fiber. He emphasizes the need for multiple companies and organizations to collaborate to achieve universal connectivity.

Internet.org Partnership:
Internet.org is a partnership involving technology companies, nonprofits, and governments. Zuckerberg believes it’s essential for addressing technical, affordability, and social barriers to internet access.

Potential Partnership with Google:
Facebook collaborates with Google, especially regarding search services within the internet.org suite. Zuckerberg values Google’s search product and is open to further collaboration.

Response to Bill Gates’ Criticism of Project Loon:
Zuckerberg acknowledges Bill Gates’ concerns about the relevance of connectivity in the face of pressing health issues. He asserts that internet connectivity is not an either-or choice but a necessary complement to improving global health. Zuckerberg cites the importance of connectivity in facilitating health responses, such as coordinating Ebola treatment units.

Challenges and User Preferences:
Facebook helps connect 200,000 new users in Zambia but has a lower usage rate for other services within internet.org. Zuckerberg acknowledges this observation and emphasizes that Facebook is a sought-after service in developing countries due to its social and messaging features.

Country-Specific Adaptations:
Internet.org will adapt to specific countries’ needs, similar to how emergency services like 911 vary across regions. Governments and local operators will determine the services included in their respective internet.org suites.

Facebook’s Strategy:
Zuckerberg emphasizes the importance of developing services people find valuable. Facebook and its subsidiaries, including WhatsApp, Messenger, and Instagram, are among the most widely used apps, positioning the company strongly in the market. The focus remains on building quality services and not worrying excessively about external factors or collaborations.

Internet.org and Connectivity Goals:
Facebook is testing drones and lasers to overcome connectivity barriers in regions lacking network coverage. The goal is to provide cost-effective connectivity in areas with limited or no existing infrastructure.

Internet.org Investments and Impact:
Facebook is significantly investing in Internet.org and related initiatives. The focus is on regions where governments prioritize connectivity and express interest in collaborating with Facebook. Countries like Malaysia and Indonesia have demonstrated enthusiasm for partnering on connectivity projects.

Success Metrics for Internet.org:
The primary goal is to enable individuals in developing countries to purchase a phone and access free basic internet services. Step one is to successfully implement this system in various countries. Step two is to encourage usage and adoption of these services.

Sustainability of Internet.org:
The secondary goal is to make Internet.org profitable for international operators, ensuring its sustainability. Free basic services should lead to increased paying customers and online users, allowing operators to expand and improve their networks. Early indicators from pilot countries suggest that this model is viable.

Long-Term Vision for Internet.org:
Zuckerberg anticipates Internet.org services to be available in over 100 countries, reaching a billion or more people. Successful implementation would provide these individuals with access to vital information and tools, such as job listings, healthcare advice, educational resources, and communication platforms. This expanded access would significantly benefit individuals and communities.

China Expansion:
Zuckerberg does not currently prioritize using Internet.org to re-enter the Chinese market. Facebook’s focus is on addressing countries that proactively seek partnerships for connectivity initiatives.