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Facebook is strengthening its efforts to bring Internet connectivity to the four billion people around the globe who are not yet online using its solar-powered Aquila drones

The company’s connectivity lab has launched its first full-scale test flight of Aquila, a solar-powered airplane that can be used to bring affordable Internet to hundreds of millions of people in remote areas.

Facebook noted that internet access can offer a number of opportunities and provide users with information and experiences. Currently 1.6bn people live in remote locations with no access to mobile broadband networks and Facebook is creating new technologies such as Aquila to help tackle this issue.

According to the social media giant, Aquila will be able to cover a region up to 60 miles in diameter, beaming connectivity down from an altitude of more than 60,000 feet using laser.

Facebook aims to connect the world and with their team of aerospace, optical physics, RF communications experts, the company stated. The firm's connectivity efforts have already included the launch of Free Basics which has connected around 25mn people online.

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