Facebook tests solar-powered Internet drones

As part of its efforts to bring the Internet to the masses, Facebook is taking to the skies with drones that can beam Internet access from above.

 

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg said the social network recently completed its test flight of such drones in the United Kingdom.

 

"The final design will have a wingspan greater than a Boeing 737 but will weigh less than a car. It will be powered by solar panels on its wings and it will be able to stay at altitudes of more than 60,000 feet for months at a time," he said.

 

 

He said such aircraft can help connect the world to the Internet, as they can affordably serve 10 percent of the world's people who live in remote communities without internet infrastructure.

 

Earlier this month, Facebook launched in the Philippines its Internet.org project, which aims to give Internet access to all.

 

But the Philippines' Internet.org runs only on one major network, and offers relatively limited access to several websites.

 

Even the version of Facebook in Internet.org will not display photos. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News