Airtel partners with Facebook to bring free web access to Rwanda

Airtel Rwanda and Facebook have partnered to offer free web access to residents of Rwanda who are using the Airtel network.

Through Free Basics by Facebook, Rwandans will be able to access various websites through the Airtel network at no cost. Customers will also be able to access a set of free services in categories of health, education, communication, sports, jobs, and local information.

Commenting on the new development, Airtel Rwanda Finance Director & Acting Managing Director, Mr. Tano Oware said, “We are delighted to kick off this partnership with Facebook and have it go live at a time where we as a telecom are looking to enable our customers to access the internet affordably.”

He added, “With our recent affordable internet-enabled phone offering together with free web access, our customers are in for a feast of information, education as well as the best experience on the Airtel network.”

“Following our success with Free Basics in Zambia, Ghana, Malawi, and Kenya, we are excited to continue our partnership and further extend reach with Airtel in Rwanda. We believe that access to information is a basic right that empowers communities and entrepreneurs around the world,” said Markku Makelainen, Director, Global Operator Partnerships, Facebook.

Free Basics by Facebook will be available as a mobile browser version for feature phone users on the web address; www.freebasics.com and also as an Android app for smartphone users, who will be able to access it on Google Play store.

Among the free websites to be accessed on Free Basics while using the Airtel Network include Facebook, BBC Africa, Inyarwanda.com, Wikipedia, BabyCenter & MAMA, Dictionary.com, SuperSport, Bing search engine, and several others.