Facebook launches OpenCellular platform

Facebook has launched an open-sourced communications platform, as part of the social network’s continuing attempts to bring internet connectivity to underserved parts of the world.

Mark Zuckerberg shared images on his profile of a shoebox-sized device that contained the hardware needed to set up a local, wireless network.

“OpenCellular is the next step on our journey to provide better, more affordable connectivity to bring the world closer together,” he wrote.

But Facebook’s efforts in developing countries have been severely criticised over the course of 2016.

The site’s total user base is now more than 1.6bn. In order to keep bringing on new users, Facebook is looking to parts of the world that do not yet have Facebook, or even the internet.

It has developed several technologies, including a lightweight, solar-powered drone that is being engineered and built in the UK.

Extending access

Introducing the company’s latest idea, Facebook engineer Kashif Ali said: “Traditional cellular infrastructure can be very expensive, making it difficult for operators to deploy it everywhere and for smaller organizations or individuals to solve hyperlocal connectivity challenges.

“It’s often unaffordable for them to attempt to extend network access in both rural and developed communities.”

He said the hardware – which would eventually be made open-source, along with OpenCellular’s software – was capable of working with a wide range of common network standards, such as 2G, LTE and wi-fi.

Mr Ali said the design is currently being tested at Facebook’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California. So far, the team had been able to use the device to send and receive text messages, make voice calls and access basic data connections.

Facebook’s plans to bring connectivity to the developing world have not always gone smoothly, with some questioning the company’s motives.

In India, the network’s launch of Free Basics was met with scorn by those who said Facebook was giving itself and its partners an unfair advantage over local internet firms.

The service was suspended, prompting Facebook investor Marc Andreessen to tweet that the move was “anti-colonialism”. After derision, the tweet was removed. Mr Zuckerberg later said the investor’s comments were “deeply upsetting”.

Source: BBC