It’s almost ten years since Facebook Connectivity launched in an effort to bring free internet, and Facebook, to millions of people worldwide. While there have been various experiments and successes, Meta has decided it’s time to shut the division down. It all seems linked to the 11,000 layoffs that happened about a month ago in the company.
Recently rebranded as Meta Connectivity, the division has spent almost a decade and plenty of money on several initiatives. There were drones beaming internet connection to Facebook to users on the ground. Also, they played with using some satellites orbiting the Earth, but that team vanished to Amazon.
As part of its ambition, Meta Connectivity also brought free internet and connection to Facebook in poor or underdeveloped areas. I say free loosely, as Meta discovered that mobile providers were still charging users for data usage. None of that matters now, as Meta is officially closing the Connectivity division.
Rumors are that Mark Zuckerberg is pumping more money into the Metaverse, which is apparently still a main focus for the company. According to experts, Meta will lose more money going into 2023 developing this virtual playground for the blockchain elite and wealthy.
At least Meta is still involved in the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), designed for the development of telecom infrastructure. However, Zuckerberg’s ambition may get the best of him yet. We may also see Meta pulling out of this project if it needs more funds for the Metaverse.
Let’s try to put a positive spin on this. Maybe if Metaverse makes the company enough money, Meta will use those returns to return to helping underdeveloped areas connect to the internet for more than simply posting on Facebook for free. Or help them join the virtual space at no cost to them.
We’ll have to see what plans Meta comes up with now that the Connectivity division is gone.
