Lilongwe, Wednesday 13th May 2015: In a bid to promote penetration, affordability and accessibility to internet services in the country, Airtel Malawi has partnered with Facebook to launch internet.org on 16th May 2015. internet.org is an application that will enable masses to enjoy free internet access to basic online services.
Introduction of internet.org will replace the All Facebook Free offer which Airtel has been running since February and ends on 15th May 2015. This opens the opportunity for Airtel Malawi customers to continue using free Facebook through internet.org application along with several other local and international content.
In his remarks during the announcement in Lilongwe today, Airtel’s Chief Commercial Officer Charles Kamoto said as a market leader, Airtel shall fully utilise Internet.org to spread internet access far and wide in the country.
“This development has come at the right time. We shall take the lead in escalating digital inclusion by reaching out and offering the best internet to as many Malawians as possible. In this digital age, internet is yet another human right and the time is now for people in the country to enjoy this right freely.” said Kamoto.
With Facebook’s Internet.org app in Malawi, Airtel customers will have free access to Facebook, Bing, mycfinder, Ask, Wikipedia, wikiHow, Accuweather, BBC News, ESPN FC, Supersport, Jobs In Malawi, Pamsika, DAI, BabyCenter & MAMA, UNICEF (Facts for Life), UNICEF (Ebola), Malaria No More, Wattpad, FunDZA, Scholars4Dev, Dictionary.com, Translate.com, Thesaurus.com, Nike Foundation (Girl Effect) and Economic Empowerment (UN Women).
“The offer will give Airtel customers the freedom to access these basic services by visiting www.internet.org or downloading the Internet.org app to their data enabled mobile handsets from Google Play Store. Normal data charges will only apply when a user browses outside the set of free basic services,” he explained.
Internet.org is a Facebook-led initiative bringing together technology leaders, non-profits and local communities to connect two thirds of the world that does not have Internet access.
