Am not sure if FB Altitute connectivity Infrastructure (its equivalent version of Google Balloons) is active in Kenya, would be good to know. But I think the Google guys resolved the regulatory challenge by partnering with an existing licensed operator (TKL), so perhaps that is the route FB may go or has gone? On Freebasics, most listers here may not know it, but it is quite active in Kenya through partnerships with Safaricom and I think Airtel. Many low income groups can access FB content without incurring data charges. The question has always been whether giving free access to one content provider disadvantages the others in the same sapce, sort of a positive discrimination effect. In other words is FB getting undue advantage through this product? Hope to hear from them. walu. On Saturday, September 19, 2020, 08:03:05 AM GMT+3, Kelvin Kariuki via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Happy Saturday! It’s a Wrap! We are sograteful to everyone that has contributed to these conversations so far. Todaywe end with the “Connectivity” topic and any other concern you might like toraise that might not have perfectly fitted in any of the topics we’vediscussed. FB is involved ininfrastructure projects that go beyond digital content and potentiallycompetes with traditional Telco providers licensed to provide telcoinfrastructure. Share your comments, experiences, and challenges with regard toFacebook Services along the following themes: a) Have you everexperienced or used the FB High Altitude Connectivity Infrastructure? b) Have you ever experiencedor used the FB FreeBasic Product which allows users to connect to FB withoutincurring data costs? c) Do you thinkthese two initiatives bring regulatory concerns that touch on completion,customer lock-in and others?   Looking forward toyour input! Have a relaxing weekend!   Regards, Tr. Karis Walu _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/jwalu%40yahoo.com The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.

Hi Teacher Karis, To answer your questions, I think I have experienced  FB High Altitude Connectivity Infrastructure where they work with partners like Airbus on HAPS connectivity generally and other technologies needed to make the system work like flight control computers and high-density batteries.  I have heard friends mention a new connectivity FB app called discover that helps those who can't afford to get online access.The service is available through mobile web and android app, allows users to visit any website in text format,and consume a few megabytes of internet.Discover is part of the FB free basic initiave in collabotation with other mobile operators though its in initial testing phase. Regards Nancy. On Saturday, September 19, 2020, 12:03:10 AM CDT, Kelvin Kariuki via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote: Happy Saturday! It’s a Wrap! We are sograteful to everyone that has contributed to these conversations so far. Todaywe end with the “Connectivity” topic and any other concern you might like toraise that might not have perfectly fitted in any of the topics we’vediscussed. FB is involved ininfrastructure projects that go beyond digital content and potentiallycompetes with traditional Telco providers licensed to provide telcoinfrastructure. Share your comments, experiences, and challenges with regard toFacebook Services along the following themes: a) Have you everexperienced or used the FB High Altitude Connectivity Infrastructure? b) Have you ever experiencedor used the FB FreeBasic Product which allows users to connect to FB withoutincurring data costs? c) Do you thinkthese two initiatives bring regulatory concerns that touch on completion,customer lock-in and others?   Looking forward toyour input! Have a relaxing weekend!   Regards, Tr. Karis Walu _______________________________________________ kictanet mailing list kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/listinfo/kictanet Twitter: http://twitter.com/kictanet Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KICTANet/ Unsubscribe or change your options at https://lists.kictanet.or.ke/mailman/options/kictanet/wachiranancy91%40yahoo... The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development. KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.