Tigo subscribers in Tanzania will get free access to basic Internet services, including Facebook and Wikipedia, through Facebook’s Internet.org app. They join Airtel subscribers in Zambia in getting this free access.
Internet.org is a Facebook-led initiative to make affordable Internet access available to the two-thirds of the world not yet connected.
The app, launched this week, gives Tigo subscribers access to a number of websites and services for free, including AccuWeather, BBC News and BBC Swahili, BrighterMonday, Facebook, Facebook Messenger, SuperSport and Wikipedia.
“We are expanding our programme with Tigo in Tanzania beyond just free Facebook to include access to a suite of basic services in health, education, communication, finance, jobs and local information,” said Internet.org product manager Andrew Bocking.
A recent report by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) showed that the number of Internet users in Tanzania had increased from 7,5m in 2012 to 9,3m in June 2014 — for 18% market penetration.
The app can be accessed throught the Google Play store or by visiting the Internet.org website. It works on smartphones and feature phones. — © 2014 NewsCentral Media
