Facebook has partnered with Tanzania mobile service provider, Tigo, to provide Tanzanians with access to free and affordable internet online services through the Internet.org app that was originally launched in Zambia.
The Internet.org app launched in Tanzania on October 29 and will provide Tigo subscribers with free 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.
According to Andrew Bocking, Product Manager of the Facebook-led Internet.org initiative, increased access to affordable internet will allow more people to have access to the same opportunities.
“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,” he said, “By providing more people with affordable access to technology and tools we can accelerate the process of connecting everyone.”
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority has reported a total of 9.3 million internet users in Tanzania, which represents nearly 18% penetration pf the total market in a population of 49.25 million people.
According to Tigo’s Head of Data and Devices, David Zacharia, the partnership with Facebook is expected to help boost digital inclusion and encourage more Tanzanians to go online.
