Facebook launches internet.org in Tanzania

Tanzania: Tigo has revealed that it is teaming up with Facebook to provide millions of Tanzanians with affordable Internet and free access to some basic online services through the Internet.org app.

The Internet.org app was made available on October 29. Commenting on the launch of the service, David Zacharia, Tigo’s Head of Data and Devices said, “Through our partnership with Facebook we aim to increase digital inclusion by encouraging even more Tanzanians to go online.”

Zacharia further said this extended partnership by Tigo and Facebook would not only accelerate internet penetration in the country but would also open new socio-economic opportunities to the users in the fields of education, technology, and commerce.

A recent report by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) shows that the number of internet users in Tanzania has increased from 7.5 million in 2012 to 9.3 million by June 2014 – equivalent to 18% penetration.

Tigo, through its owner Millicom, has worked with Facebook in both Tanzania and Paraguay to offer free access to Facebook.

“Today we are expanding our program with Tigo in Tanzania beyond just free Facebook to include access to a suite of basic services in health, education, communication, finance, jobs and local information. By providing more people with affordable access to technology and tools we can accelerate the process of connecting everyone,” said Andrew Bocking, Product Manager, Internet.org, Facebook.

Tigo customers in Tanzania can access the Internet.org app through the Google Play Store, by visiting www.internet.org on a mobile browser, via the Tigo portal, and through a bookmark on Opera Mini. The service works on smartphones and feature phones.

Tigo subscribers will now have access to AccuWeather, BabyCenter & MAMA, BBC News & BBC Swahili, BrighterMonday, The Citizen, Facebook, Facts for Life (a UNICEF Product), Girl Effect, Messenger, Mwananchi, Mwanaspoti, OLX, Shule Direct, SuperSport, Tanzania Today and Wikipedia.

Internet.org is a Facebook-led initiative with the goal of making affordable internet access available to the two thirds of the world who are not yet connected and to bring the same opportunities to everyone that the connected third of the world has today.

Facebook’s Internet.org app makes the internet more accessible through a set of free basic services – enabling people to browse useful content and websites without incurring data charges.