Telco giant Airtel Ghana has announced a partnership with Facebook to offer the Internet.org app to its customers in Ghana. Facebook’s Internet.org app provides a set of locally relevant basic internet services for existing and new customers free of charge in order to make it easier for people to access the internet.
At the launch, Airtel Ghana’s Managing Director, Lucy Quist said, “Our partnership with Facebook which brings their internet.org mobile app to Ghana opens up more opportunities for the millions of people to stay connected and grow their potential from the wealth of information available on the internet.”
Commenting further, Lucy Quist stated that, “We have invested heavily in upgrading and expanding our network over the last few years to provide access to information in all areas including remote and rural populations in Ghana. We are proud that we have the second largest network in Ghana with the fastest 3G experience driven by our powerful 3.75G and second carrier investments. This partnership with Facebook will make it easier for people to access basic internet services. We have been at the forefront of the data revolution in Ghana. Through Facebook’s Internet.org app, Airtel customers using mobile internet capable devices will now be able to access a set of free services in categories such as health, education, communication, jobs, and local information. We are proud to be part of Africa’s increasing relevance and contribution to the global innovation map. If you do not have an Airtel SIM, I invite you to pick one up and be part of the fastest changing telecommunications provider in Ghana.”
Chris Daniels, Vice President of Internet.org at Facebook said, “Following the launch of the Internet.org app in Zambia and Kenya, Facebook is excited to continue its partnership with Airtel to bring the Internet.org app to Ghana. Access to free basic services in categories like education, health and communication will give everyone the tools to lead better lives and stay more connected and informed.”
As part of Facebook’s Internet.org app in Ghana, Airtel customers will have free access to: AccuWeather, BabyCenter & MAMA, BBC News, Ebola Information by UNICEF, Facebook, Facts for Life, FunDza, GhanaWeb, Girl Effect, Jobberman, Messenger, News24, Scholars4Dev, SuperSport, Tonaton.com, Wattpad, and Wikipedia.
The offer will give Airtel customers the freedom to access these basic services by visiting www.internet.org from an Android or Feature phone, or by downloading the Internet.org app in the Google Play Store. Normal data charges will only apply when a user browses outside the set of free basic services.