Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) said WhatsApp, the cross-platform mobile messaging firm can connect three billion users in partnership with the social network giant.
“I think we’re going to have an opportunity for WhatsApp to connect two or three billion people because by working with us they’re just now going to have so many more resources and opportunities,” said Zuckerberg during a visit to Mexico City.
Zuckerberg believed that WhatsApp has the potential to become the global text messaging platform. Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) agreed to acquire WhatApp for $19 billion in cash and stock last February. The deal already received approval from regulators in the United States, but it is still under review by the European Commission.
Zuckerberg attended an event in Mexico City hosted by the Telmex Foundation of billionaire Carlos Slim, who owns the largest internet and wireless communications company in Mexico. During the event, Zuckerberg also stated that Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) is willing to spend billions of dollars to achieve its goal to provide internet access to every person worldwide.
“What we really care about is connecting everyone in the world. Even if it means that Facebook has to spend billions of dollars over the next decade making this happen,” said Zuckerberg.
In his page on Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) wrote that he had a meeting with Mexico President Peña Nieto, and they discussed ways to work together on internet.org to make internet access affordable for everyone in Mexico.
According to Zuckerberg, “The internet offers huge opportunities for Mexico, from helping to share its talent, culture and businesses with the world and making government services more efficient.”
Zuckerberg noted that only 50% of the population of Mexico is currently online. He and President Nieto agreed to work together and do more to accelerate the growth of internet in the country.
Facebook Inc. (NASDAQ:FB) established the internet.org initiative with the primary objective of connecting billions of people in regions that have no internet access yet. The social network giant is partnering with telecommunications companies in different countries to offer internet access at a more affordable price. Facebook is also a member of the Alliance for Affordable Internet (A4AI).
