Facebook, as a part of the Internet.org project that aims to connect even the most remote areas of the world with internet, launched an app in Zambia offering access to a limited set of online services including Facebook, Wikipedia and Google Search for free.
The Internet.org app will be available exclusively for Airtel mobile network users in Zambia starting Thursday.
The Internet.org app will allow Airtel users to access around 13 online services including Facebook and its Messenger service, Wikipedia, Google search, AccuWeather, as well as local news, health information and employment services.
The app will be compatible to work on Android phones as well as other simple “feature phones” used by people in Zambia, said Guy Rosen, product management director at Internet.org.
If in case a user clicks on any service link that does not come under the 13 pre-determined free services category, a warning will be pop out informing about the data charges to be levied. Unfortunately one of the core features missing from the free services list is email. It is believed that new internet users are more likely to use messaging apps or social media sites instead of email.
Rosen said that currently only 15 percent of Zambia’s population, about 15 million, is under internet coverage. There is a lot of scope to bring the unconnected population under internet umbrella.
Rosen also added that the app will be rolled out to other countries as well in due course of time.
Facebook initiated the Internet.org project in August 2013, with tech giants Samsung, Qualcomm, Ericsson, Nokia, Opera and MediaTek as founder members.
