Cell C and Facebook partner to launch Internet.org in SA

From 1 July, Facebook usage will be free to all existing and new postpaid, top up and prepaid customers and will continue until 31 August 2015.

Customers will be able to use Messenger, post comments and pictures, view and share posts and pictures and view News Feed and profiles at no charge. Breakout Internet browsing, VOIP calling, Facebook videos, YouTube and Instagram will be charged for at standard data rates or will deplete data bundles where applicable.

All postpaid and top up customers will automatically get free access to Facebook and Internet.org free basic services while prepaid customers need to ensure they recharge once every 30 days to show they are active on the network.

Internet.org launches in SA

Additionally, Cell C and Facebook have partnered to bring affordable and vital Internet access to consumers through the launch of Internet.org free basic services in South Africa.

Internet.org was developed by Facebook and its technology partners to create a way to bring affordable Internet access to under-served communities. Through network operator partnerships, that have the drive to bring these basic services to customers for free, Facebook has launched this service in many under-serviced countries in Africa and around the world, including India, Ghana and Kenya. And now, through Cell C, South Africa is the next country to realise Facebook's plan to help connect the unconnected.

Bringing access to those that need it most has become a national imperative, with only 10,9% of South African households having access to the Internet at home. And the growth of access is slow, showing a mere 0.9% increase year-on-year according to Stats SA's 2014 General Household Survey.

For more information, visit www.cellc.co.za and www.internet.org.