Smart Communications, Inc. is offering its subscribers free access to basic Web sites and Internet services through Facebook’s Internet.org app.
Internet.org is a Facebook-led global initiative that aims to make basic mobile Internet connectivity and services available to two-thirds of the world’s population who are not yet connected.
The Internet.org app offers a set of basic mobile Internet services that include useful education, news, health, messaging and communication without data charges. For its initial stage, the app allows Filipinos to avail of free access to selected 24 Web sites, including Facebook and Messenger on their mobile phones.
“Smart’s partnership with Facebook is a big boost to our ‘Internet for All’ campaign, an advocacy we have been strongly pushing for. By launching Internet.org app with Facebook in the Philippines, we are making useful information within reach of millions of Filipinos,” said Smart President and Chief Executive Officer Napoleon L. Nazareno.
The launch of the Internet.org app in the Philippines marks the first time it will be formally available in Southeast Asia. Since 2014, the app has been introduced in six countries, including Columbia, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, India and Zambia, giving unconnected people to Internet the opportunity to browse information and Web sites with no extra cost.
“We are working with operators, content partners, and governments from all over the world to address the barriers that prevent people from connecting and joining the knowledge economy. We are excited to bring Internet.org app to the Philippines and give people access to Internet services and tools that can help create new ideas and opportunities,” said Markku Makelainen, Director of Global Operator Partnership at Facebook.
Available for Talk ‘N Text, Smart and Sun subscribers in English and Filipino, the Internet.org app can be downloaded from Google Play Store or by visiting www.internet.org from a mobile browser. To explore different sites in one portal and enjoy the services, simply text INTERNET to 9999.
For smartphones, turn on mobile data and set push notifications to manual to avoid background charges.
Once the Internet.org app has been downloaded on their mobile phones, subscribers nationwide may access general information on Ask.com, Bing, Dictionary.com, wikiHow and Wikipedia; get news updates on Inquirer, PhilStar, Interaksyon, and Rappler; stay updated on sports through ESPN and SPIN.PH; check out the weather and climate through Accuweather and RaincheckPH; and enjoy stories via Wattpad.
Subscribers may also check out free programs and trainings at TESDA.gov.ph or Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Web site; check employment opportunities on Jobstreet; sell items on OLX.ph; gain financial information on PesosandSense and YourMoney.com; learn about women’s issues in sites like BabyCenter & MAMA and Girl Effect; and access health information on UNICEF’s Facts for Life.
They may also avail of the basic services of Facebook and Facebook Messenger.
“Through Internet.org, Smart and Facebook are able to provide Filipinos with a vast wealth of information at their fingertips, which in turn opens up doors for greater social opportunities for them – at no extra cost. This service is what we call “panalo” or a “win” for our subscribers, and embodies the brand’s celebration of life’s small victories every day,” said Charles A. Lim, Executive Vice President and Wireless Consumer Division Head at Smart and Sun.
