Ooredoo group extends its partnership with Facebook to launch 'Free Basics', a sponsored data initiative in Maldives. The 'Free Basics" offers a wide range of basic web services such as news, health, travel, local jobs, and sports for free, without customers incurring data charges. Ooredoo customers in the Maldives will be able to receive free access to a number of essential services, by logging onto FreeBasics.com or downloading their mobile application via the Google Play Store.
The 'Free Basics' is an updated version of Facebook's Internet.org initiative which aims to connect the 'unconnected' and accelerate internet adoption in rural areas. In September, the social network giant debuted the new app and opened up its platform to all mobile operators and apps developers through a partner portal that includes technical tools and best practices, improving the service.
Facebook via the Internet.org has worked closely with more than a dozen mobile operators across 17 countries to give people access to relevant basic internet services.
Vikram Sinha, CEO of Ooredoo Maldives
With our partnership with Facebook, we are linking our communities to a wealth of fundamental knowledge, and taking another significant step in our goal to empower people with smart sustainable solutions to prevalent issues across the nation.
Anna Nygren, Head of Growth Partnerships, APAC at Facebook
The internet is a powerful enabler for social and economic progress, and Free Basics will help connect more people in the Maldives to the internet.
