Airtel and Facebook partnership brings world first to Africa

-Facebook’s Internet.org mobile app now available to Airtel customers

Lusaka - Airtel Networks Zambia Plc, the leading telecommunications service provider in Zambia, today announced that it is the first mobile operator in the world to offer Facebook’s Internet.org mobile app to customers in Zambia. The Internet.org app makes it easier for people to access the Internet and a set of basic services without data charges.

Charity Lumpa, Airtel Zambia’s Managing Director said, “It is our objective to bring our communities and the world together through the Internet in Zambia. Our partnership with Facebook will help drive that agenda forward.”

“With the widest 3G network in Africa, Airtel has been at the forefront of the data revolution in Africa and we are pleased to launch a World First in Africa. This demonstrates Africa’s increasing relevance and contribution to the global innovation map,” said Andre Beyers, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Africa. 

Through the 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 excited to be working with Airtel to bring more people online with the Internet.org app. Making the internet accessible through a set of basic services can have a big impact, and lead to more people coming online and discovering services they might not have otherwise.” — Chris Daniels, VP of Product, Internet.org.

As part of the Internet.org app, Airtel customers in Zambia will have free access to: AccuWeather Zambia; Airtel Zambia Web Site; eZeLibrary; Facebook Mobile; Facts for Life; Go Zambia Jobs; Google Search, Kokoliko; Zambia Mama; Facebook Messenger; Wikipedia; WRAPP-Women’s Rights; Zambia uReport.

Airtel customers can access the Internet.org app through the Google Play Store, www.internet.org, or within the Facebook for Android app. Normal data charges apply when you browse outside of Facebook, outside of Internet.org app and outside the set of free basic services.