Telecom network operator Bharti Airtel announced its partnership with social media firm Facebook to launch Free Basics in 17 countries across Africa.
Free Basics allows mobile customers of Airtel Africa to access free health, education and finance-related websites.
Airtel Africa will launch Free Basics in Nigeria, DRC, Gabon and Niger in the first phase. Customers with an Airtel mobile connection will be able to access all the services that form part of Free Basics without paying extra for data charges or rental.
Christian de Faria, MD and CEO of Airtel Africa said, “The partnership with Facebook will aid in bringing more people online and reduce the digital divide.”
Airtel Africa had already been working with Facebook since 2014 in enhancing accessibility to the internet in an affordable manner through the launch of Free Basics in Zambia, Kenya, Malawi, Ghana, Seychelles and Rwanda. With the launch of Free Basics, these markets will also now have access to more free services and the Free Basics platform.
Airtel customers currently using the app and mobile website will be able to continue using the Android app, though it will now be called Free Basics by Facebook in Google Play. The mobile web version, which will redirect from the previous URL, can be accessed at FreeBasics .com.
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