Airtel Nigeria and Google have
announced an internet service partnership that allows customers to access
mobile web search and other feature-phone-friendly versions of Gmail and Google
without getting billed.
The Free Zone service aims to allow more people to access the
internet, targeting first time internet users who have not purchased data
bundles and often find basic services like email, mobile web browsing and
social applications to be expensive.
Airtel Nigeria said with Free Zone phone users can take
advantage of the web to grow their businesses or keep in touch with friends and
family without the fear of unknown data costs, and also make more informed
choices about their next data device.
Juliet Ehimuan, country manager of Google Nigeria, said: “We are
excited to be working with Airtel to introduce Free Zone powered by Google to
Nigeria. We believe in the power of the internet to create better
opportunities, and working with Airtel on this makes it possible for anyone
with a phone to get Internet services at little or no cost.
“Just like our other access projects, this gives people easier
access to information in a way that benefits not just themselves, but their
businesses, and by extension Nigeria’s economy.”
Deepak Srivastava, chief operating officer (COO) and executive
director of Airtel Nigeria, said breaking down the barriers to internet
adoption is critical for Nigeria to keep up with the rest of world in terms of
social and economic development.
“We are, therefore, really proud to bring this spectacular
innovation to Nigerians, especially our customers, who will now have seamless
access to Google Search, Gmail and Google by simply using Airtel SIM cards on
any data-enabled handset free of charge. This is indeed another good reason to
remain an Airtel customer or to join Airtel if you are not yet a customer,” he
said.
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