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> Though the programme is promoted by Facebook, its costs are borne by the mobile-telecoms operators it works with.

How does that even work? Why would the telecoms agree to pay the bill on behalf of Facebook? Surely there must be some money from Facebook back to the telecom, to make it worthwhile for them.

Edit:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Facebook_Zero

http://telecoms.com/opinion/0-facebook-com-means-zero-money-...

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I guess because it leads to "full" internet subscription which generates revenue (assumedly profits) for them.

This makes a big difference to me. I was actually for Facebook basics, when I thought Facebook picked up the bill so that poor people could access at least some internet. But if the operators are paying for this ... then what value is Facebook actually providing?

They say they provide the platform and guidelines and works with telcos across the world. But it's not a convincing answer to a normal user. Thing is, if FB can do it, certainly Google and other major companies can do it.

If free basics get through then telecome operators could potentially come with up Netflix package, Youtube package like TV packages.

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