Facebook has acquired a startup that builds small data packages for specific apps with hopes to connect the 'next billion' people on its network.
Facebook is worked up about its Internet.org initiative and wants to use all possible resources to connect another billion people in a profitable way. The social network has acquired a startup Pryte that has expertise in providing small app-specific data plans to users in emerging markets.
The official confirmation of the acquisition by Facebook was announced by the Helsinki-based startup on its official website, Tuesday. Pryte also shared its support to fulfill Facebook's Internet.org goals and help bring internet access to emerging markets in an affordable way. The startup has tie-ups with local carriers, which enable it to offer bite-sized, app-specific data pricing as an alternative to buying data in bulk packages to run all apps in a smartphone. The idea behind this is to provide sufficiant data to users based on their specific requirements.
"Since we launched Pryte we have worked to reimagine the way mobile data works in an app-driven world, by enabling partnerships between app and content providers, and mobile operators," Pryte's team wrote in an official post, Tuesday. "Now, we're joining Facebook, whose mission to connect the world by partnering with operators to bring people online in a profitable way aligns closely with our team's goals."
The Finnish company, which has not publicly launched its services yet, comprises of a small team of 30 employees and was launched last year. It is unclear if the entire team will join Facebook. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition marks Facebook's latest effort toward its mission of bringing internet access to people in under-developed parts of the world. The social network has partnered with certain wireless operators to offer free access to its site and is also inventing new ways to beam internet to the remotest places on earth using drones, satellites and lasers.
A Facebook spokesperson also confirmed the news of Pryte acquisition to Mashable via email and said the new team will be working from its offices in London and Singapore.
"The Pryte team will be an exciting addition to Facebook," the company spokesperson said. "Their deep industry experience working with mobile operators aligns closely with the initiatives we pursue with Internet.org, to partner with operators to bring affordable internet access to the next 5 billion people, in a profitable way."
