Facebook taking another go at connecting India, testing cheap Express Wi-Fi service - CNET

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Despite Facebook's Free Basics program hitting a roadblock in India earlier this year, the social media juggernaut isn't giving up on connecting the world's second most populous nation.

Facebook on Monday said it's in early stages of testing Express Wi-Fi, its new initiative to provide Indians with "fast, reliable, and affordable" data. It'll see local telcos provide internet access via local hotspots throughout rural India.

The company may have already made a lot of progress. As part of its testing, Facebook has "completed" the rollout of Express Wi-Fi in 125 rural areas in the country, the Economic Times reports. The publication adds that Facebook is in talks with local ISPs for a commercial launch of the new initiative.

Facebook was contacted but declined to comment.

This is the social media giant's second attempt at connecting more Indians to the internet. Unlike Free Basics, an initiative still running in many countries, wherein the company provides users free access to select websites and services, Express Wi-Fi isn't free and it's unclear whether users get unfettered access to the internet or not.