Facebook has sought to partner with local telecommunications service providers; Safaricom, Airtel and Telcom Kenya.
The social networking services giant, has called on the local telcos to partner with them in the new connectivity, Facebook has established - internet.org.
Following the launch of Aquila, a drone that beams internet from the sky to communities that do not have internet, Facebook intends to expand internet connectivity across the world.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that the aircraft will supplement internet.org which is Facebook's connectivity in more than 13 countries including Kenya, Zambia, Tanzania and Ghana.
Facebook argues that telcos will benefit immensely since they would be connected to new Internet users.
“Facebook has made it easier for any mobile operator to sign up for and turn on internet.org in new countries through a partner portal, this will increase Internet penetration,” explained Mr Chris Daniels, the Vice-President of Internet.org, during a media briefing in Nairobi.
Local telcos have, however, in the past contested contested Facebook as one of their Over the Top (OTT) service providers, the Nation reports.
Safaricom and Airtel have been urging the ICT ministry to intervene, noting that OTT players eat up their voice and SMS revenue without paying taxes or laying infrastructure.
The initiative comes just a few months after Facebook set up office in South Africa marking Kenya and Nigeria as its prime targets of entry.
