Leading Telecommunication Company in Nigeria, Airtel alongside search engine giant Google have unveiled Free Zone, which has been powered by Google.
With Free Zone, customers will access mobile web search and other feature-phone-friendly versions of Gmail and Google+ without getting billed.
Internet first timers are advised not worry too much on unknown data costs and should make more informed choices about their next data device.
To enjoy the array of free Internet mobile services on Free Zone, customers are to text “Free Zone” to 881 or go to http://g.co/freezone from their phone browser.
Juliet Ehimuan, country manager, 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 and executive director, Airtel Nigeria, stated: “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. It is through key initiatives like these that these barriers can be reduced.”
Airtel customers who access Free Zone will enjoy unlimited access to Gmail; share photos and messages with circles of family, friends and associates as well as follow updates on the things they are passionate about.
Customers will also enjoy searching the entire Internet and access the first page of websites from the results for free using Google Search.
When Airtel customers leave the Free Zone to navigate deeper into a website or download an attachment they are informed about the data charges and given the option to purchase an appropriate data package.