Facebook looks to extend Internet access in Zambia

Facebook has launched an app providing a range of free basic Internet services to mobile users in emerging markets, as part of its Internet.org initiative.

The Internet.org app being launched in partnership with Airtel in Zambia offers a number of health, employment and local information services without users being charged for consuming data.

These services include globally-recognised products such as AccuWeather, Facebook, Google Search, Messenger, Wikipedia, as well as more locally relevant services such as government information app eZeLibrary, Go Zambia Jobs, Kokoliko chat, WRAPP (Women’s Rights App) and Zambia uReport, a free HIV and sexual health advice service.

Airtel customers can also access these services via the Internet.org website, as well as the Facebook for Android app. Facebook plans to improve the experience provided by the product as it is rolled out in other markets.

Facebook’s Internet.org initiative was launched a year ago with the aim of bringing connectivity to the five billion people around the world currently without access to the Internet.

Founding members Facebook, Ericsson, MediaTek, Nokia, Opera, Qualcomm and Samsung, as well as academics and NGOs, have been looking to develop and adopt technologies that make mobile connectivity more affordable and reduce the cost of delivering data.

Facebook boosted its efforts to reduce the cost of mobile Internet access in June by agreeing to acquire Pryte, a Finnish company giving mobile users without data plans the ability to buy data on a per app basis.

The Internet.org initiative has also seen Facebook invest in drones and satellite technology with the aim of extending Internet connectivity.