The giant mobile operator Airtel Ghana has announced on the 22nd December, 2014 a partnership with Facebook to offer the Internet.org app to its customers in Ghana. Facebook’s Internet.org app will provide 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.
“Our partnership with Facebook which is bringing 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.” Said the Managing Director of Airtel Ghana, Lucy Quist.
Lucy Quist added that they have invested heavily in upgrading and expanding their 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.” Commented the Managing Director of Airtel Ghana, Lucy Quist
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 live better lives and stay more connected and informed.”
“Today we’re launching Internet.org in Ghana to giving people on the Airtel network access to free basic internet services for education, health, jobs and communication.
Right now only about 12% of people in Ghana are connected to the internet, but connectivity is already improving people’s lives and communities” said Mark Zuckerberg the The founder and CEO of Facebook
According to the two partners, 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.