Wikipedia Zero launched in 2012. The Wikimedia Foundation created the project to let people read Wikipedia on mobile phones without paying data charges, using agreements with participating network operators in developing markets.
The “Zero” name echoed Facebook Zero, another initiative built around zero-rated mobile access. Instead of requiring a smartphone data plan, Wikipedia Zero allowed subscribers to visit Wikipedia at no charge, often through basic phones or limited mobile connections. Malaysia became one of the first launch markets in 2012, followed by countries including Kenya and Thailand.
The project expanded widely: at its peak, the Wikimedia Foundation reported partnerships with dozens of operators across many countries. It also attracted criticism because zero-rating selected services raised net-neutrality concerns. As mobile data became cheaper and operator interest declined, the Foundation announced that Wikipedia Zero would be phased out by the end of 2018.