Facebook started internet.org initiative about one year ago and to mark its one year anniversary, the social media giant today announced that more telecom operators can now sign up for initiative.

In a blog post released to mark the first year of the Internet.org initiative, Facebook said it will open a portal, which will allow any telecom operator to offer the service under its Internet.org platform. Facebook presently teamed up with particular operators to release the service in various countries.

The company said “We’ve made it easier for any mobile operator to turn on Internet.org in new countries through a partner portal that includes technical tools and best practices, improving the process to offer free basic services to the unconnected.”

According to the Facebook’s blog post, over the past one year, the initiative had bought new users onto cellular networks on average over 50 percent faster. Also, more than 50 percent of the people using Internet.org are now paying for data to access the wider Internet within 30 days.

Chris Daniels, VP of Internet.org said:

“Our goal is to work with as many mobile operators and developers as possible to extend the benefits of connectivity to diverse, local communities across Africa. We look forward to working in partnership with more mobile operators and developers to bring internet access and relevant basic internet services to the unconnected in the months to come.”

Facebook in association with the iHub Nairobi will host a Developer Day event today, where the social media giant team will give an overview of Internet.org initiative and how developers can leverage on this and other Facebook Platforms.