Beiruting News

Facebook's founder is planning to launch a satellite to deliver internet services to remote parts of Africa under his controversial Internet.org scheme.

In a post on the social network, Mark Zuckerberg said he hoped the move would connect "millions" to the internet.

The satellite, due to launch next year, is currently being built under a partnership with French firm Eutelsat.

It would allow mobile users to download an app containing free data access to selected services, including Facebook.

The decision underlines the scale of the billionaire's ambition to boost connectivity in emerging internet markets but the scheme has been met with opposition in many countries such as Uganda, India and Indonesia.

"We're going to work with local partners across these regions to help communities begin accessing internet services provided through satellite."

The project has previously been testing other means of delivery, including solar-powered drones.

Eutelsat said users would be able to access the internet from the satellite on "affordable, off-the-shelf customer equipment" from the second half of next year.