Back in August, Mark Zuckerberg announced an intention to provide Internet access to two thirds of the world that lacks online access. It’s a bold plan, but Bill Gates is not too keen on the idea after he criticized the plan on Friday, November 1. Gates doesn’t see the Internet as a world savior, which is a clear sign that he’s not in agreement with Mark Zuckerberg and his bold plan.

In an interview with the Financial Times, this is what Gates had to say when asked about Zuckerberg’s plan to provide Internet access to two third of the world:

“Take this malaria vaccine, [this] weird thing that I’m thinking of. Hmm, which is more important, connectivity or malaria vaccine? If you think connectivity is the key thing, that’s great. I don’t.

I certainly love the IT thing. But when we want to improve lives, you’ve got to deal with more basic things like child survival, child nutrition.”

Ouch, this is where Zuckerberg should apply cold water to the burned area before it festers.

We have to agree with Bill Gates here, because the Internet is not important if these people won’t survive to use the thing. In these countries, food and disease control is more important than going on Facebook. Fix the most important problems before introducing the Internet, and watch how these people live a happier life.

[via Financial Times]