After Free Basics, Facebook is back with Express Wifi

After a failed attempt to popularise Free Basics in India, Facebook is back with Express Wifi.

But this time it's not free. Facebook is teaming up with local internet service providers (ISP) as part of this program.

The social media giant is providing software to enable local ISPs to provide internet services in rural areas.  

People can access the service via public Wi-Fi hotspots.

According to the BBC, Express Wifi has already completed a trial period in the country with a local state-run telecom and about 125 rural Wi-Fi hotspots.

Last year, Facebook's Free Basics, which offered free access to select websites only, created controversy in India as internet activists alleged it was in violation of net neutrality.

The plan was eventually banned by the Telecom Regulatory of India in February.