Launched in 2016, “Express Wi-Fi” was presented as one of the tools to connect 5 billion people around the world. His termination comes a few weeks after the strategic restructuring of the company.
The technology giant Meta Platforms (ex-Facebook) announced on Monday January 31 the end of its “Express Wi-Fi” program through which it provided low-cost wireless Internet access in developing countries. The service was already operational in several countries on the continent, including Ghana, Burkina Faso, Kenya and Nigeria. The company justified its decision by its desire to ” focus on other projects “, including augmented reality.
In a press release, Meta wanted to be reassuring towards its local partners through which the service was marketed. ” When we conclude our work on the program later this year, we will work closely with Express Wi-Fi partners to minimize the impact on their businesses and their customers ‘ connectivity,” the US-based company said.
Express Wi-Fi is a complete cloud-based SaaS (software as a service) management platform developed and launched in 2016 by Facebook. The service was consistent with the company’s strategy to improve access for populations in sub-Saharan Africa to quality connectivity at low cost. It also offered it the opportunity to develop its brand image on the continent where Google announced investments in connectivity, in particular with its Loon project.
The termination of the Express Wi-Fi project, like Loon last year, is the result of growing competition in the global telecom market. Satellite operators and fiber optic connectivity providers have redoubled their investments to reach more areas hitherto remote and deprived of access to telecom services. They now represent strategic market niches in terms of revenue growth.