Facebook hires high-speed internet veteran at Google

In the line of fire for its Free Basics app that supposedly breaches the ethics of net neutrality, Facebook has now hired a veteran of Google’s fiber high-speed Internet project Kevin Lo, to lead the social networking giant’s Internet connectivity projects.

Lo will join as Facebook’s director for infrastructure connectivity and investments, and will help lead Facebook’s outside partnerships, such as Terragraph, an ambitious project to bring WiFi to dense urban areas, and Facebook’s partnership with Microsoft to build a fiber optic cable.

However, he won’t be responsible for the controversial Free Basics app in developing countries that provides free data use for a limited number of apps through deals the company has struck with telecom companies.

Lo has been with Google since 2010, where he co-founded the company’s fiber project, along with managing its product, business, and operations. He quit Google in 2015, shortly before its reorganization in August.

This is the second time Facebook has made a high-profile hire from Google, the first being Regina Dugan, who previously ran the search engine’s Advanced Technology and Projects (ATAP) division. At Facebook, she’s heading Building 8, the company’s research and development division that is focused on tackling projects to better connect the world.