Facebook, Airtel to Offer Free Access to Basic Internet Service in Zambia

Facebook-backed Internet.org is announcing on Thursday that it is launching a new Android app in Zambia that will offer some basic services to Airtel customers without incurring any data charges.

The new app includes access to Facebook, Accuweather and Wikipedia as well as local news, health information and employment services.

“Over 85 percent of the world’s population lives in areas with existing cellular coverage, yet only about 30 percent of the total population accesses the internet,” Internet.org product management director Guy Rosen said in a statement. “Affordability and awareness are significant barriers to internet adoption for many and today we are introducing the Internet.org app to make the internet accessible to more people by providing a set of free basic services.”

Rosen said that although the service is initially limited to Airtel users in Zambia, the goal is to bring it to other parts of the world.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg first outlined the company’s goals with Internet.org last year. It also has an effort, Facebook Zero, that dates back even further and brings free Facebook access to customers in a number of emerging markets.

This article originally appeared on Recode.net.

Contributions are a key part of the future of Vox

Readers rely on Vox for clear, nuanced coverage that not only illuminates the issues, but poses solutions, too. And we rely on help from our readers: Advertising and grants cover the majority of our costs, but we count on contributions to help us close the gaps in our budget. In fact, we’re looking to reach 95,000 individual contributions before the end of the year. Will you make the next contribution right now? Our average gift is just $20 — and it goes a long way in helping us keep our work free. Vox is here to help everyone understand what’s shaping the world — not just the people who can afford to pay for a subscription. We believe that’s an important part of building a more equal society. Join that mission by making a contribution today.

One-Time Monthly Annual

$5/month

$10/month

$25/month

$50/month

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $5/month

Yes, I'll give $5/month

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via