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Mark Zuckerberg Highlights India's Crucial Role in Connecting the Next Billion Citizens

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

During a roundtable discussion hosted by FICCI, Mark Zuckerberg emphasized India's importance in the global effort to bring the next billion citizens online. With nearly 1 billion unconnected citizens residing in India, the nation is home to the 3rd largest internet user population and the largest unconnected population. Zuckerberg highlighted Facebook's efforts in providing internet access to 15 million people in 24 nations and expressed the company's commitment to affordable access for the next billion citizens, with 250 million of them expected to come from India.

Key Takeaways:

  • The current global internet penetration stands at approximately 45% (3.2 billion out of 7 billion citizens), with 4 billion citizens yet to access the internet (ITU).
  • India hosts the largest unconnected population (1 billion) to the internet, despite having the 3rd largest internet user population (300 million) globally.
  • Facebook has provided internet access to 15 million people in 24 nations through its efforts.
  • The Indian government's flagship programs, including Digital India, Smart Cities, and Startup India, Standup India, focus on providing and improving internet access to citizens.
  • The discussion at the roundtable meeting revolved around issues such as Net Neutrality, Zero Rating, Internet.Org, and Free Basics, with policy makers highlighting the importance of equitable access to the internet.
  • Mark Zuckerberg expressed his commitment to India, stating that it has the best possibility of aligning a best-in-class regulatory environment to ensure access to its citizens.

Statistics:

  • 3.2 billion people out of 7 billion have access to the internet globally (45% penetration rate).
  • 1 billion people reside in India, with 300 million being internet users, and 1 billion being unconnected.
  • Facebook has provided internet access to 15 million people in 24 nations.
  • 250 million of the next 1 billion citizens accessing the internet are expected to come from India.

Sources:

  • "Mark Zuckerberg, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Facebook, Inc.," Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).
  • International Telecommunication Union (ITU): "Measuring the Information Society Report 2020."

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