Facebook Announces Altruistic Effort to Expand Global Internet Access

One of Facebook’s long-standing and laudable initiatives has been to reduce the digital divide, which refers to the global gulf between those privileged with Internet access and those without it.

To this end, Facebook has just announced the creation of an open-source wireless access platform, dubbed OpenCellular, which is designed to provide wireless connection to remote areas in the world while driving down costs installing cellular networks.

Don’t be fooled by OpenCellular’s relatively diminutive frame, which is roughly the size of a shoebox. This platform punches above its weight, connecting up to 1,500 people within a range of 10 kilometers, and supports wireless connections ranging from 2G to LTE in addition to Wi-Fi and voice calls.

Described by Facebook as a “software-defined wireless access platform”, it comes fully-equipped with the physical tools and software necessary to establishing a cellular network. The box runs on an open-source system that can operate from isolated areas, and is designed to be rugged and durable in harsh conditions.

This is all especially helpful in areas where it is traditionally difficult to build a wireless network. Remote areas often have a greater need of Internet access, which is crucial to economic development in the 21st century. However, they also tend to lack access to the infrastructure necessary for establishing wireless networks, which paradoxically leads to higher costs for equipment installation, which in turn exacerbates the isolation of these areas.

Facebook is hoping that OpenCellular will prove to be a crucial building block of its push to expand wireless access globally, though it’s still unclear how other countries will receive it.

Facebook is currently conducting trials of OpenCellular at its Silicon Valley headquarters and is anticipating its release later this summer.

 Featured Photo Copyright: luchezar