Facebook is preparing a huge new project for covering the world in low-orbit solar drones capable of providing internet to the five billion people still without basic connectivity.

It's part of Internet.org's plan to provide internet to the most remote parts of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, and South America.

Like Us on Facebook

The solar drones are massive, with wingspans rivaling Boeing 767 commercial airplanes. They will be able to stay in the air for three months at an altitude of 60,000 to 90,000 feet.

Facebook acquired UAV maker Ascenta for project Aquila. Facebook believes 1,000 drones should be enough to cover most of the world in connectivity, although how it will distribute the network is still unknown

Currently, Internet.org has partnered with local wireless providers to give basic access to a few websites, something that has caused controversy due to breaking net neutrality laws.

Facebook believes offering a small amount of the internet for free will allow the poorest countries in the world to finally get online. Once that happens, we should see more paid internet adoption, which in turn leads to more Facebook usage.

The social network isn't the only company looking to cover the world with internet. Google's Project Loon is seeing excellent results of over three months in the air, providing LTE internet to people down below.

Project Loon is most likely a cheaper alternative to solar powered drones. In the next few years, we'll see which gambit pays off the best.

Tagssolar drones, Internet.org, low-orbit satellites