Recently BSNL launched a service providing free internet services at ghats of Varanasi. With intention to expand its reach and cover the market from bottom up, it earlier had revealed its plans for expanding the free WiFi service to about 2,500 cities and towns. And now Facebook Inc. has partnered with Reliance Communications to bring internet services to people in India that too with no data charges. This collaboration comes on account of Mark Zuckerberg’s plan to bring free internet to mobile phone users in developing countries, where Facebook teams up with the telecom providers and content partners.
This service is provided through Internet.org for both 2G and 3G networks. Internet.org aims to connect the Reliance subscribers to free internet which for now is only limited to about 35 websites and services. This package provides a succulent blend of news websites, sports websites, educational services, health and welfare services and so on. Apart from the lite version of Facebook and Facebook messenger, website list include content providers like BBC News, Times of India, Wikipedia, iLearn, Socialblood, ESPN Cricinfo, OLX, Cleartrip, etc.
Reliance Communications said that these services will be provided to the RCom subscribers for no charge. Users can either log on to internet.org or call upon a toll free number of 1800 300 25353 to enable the services on their connections. Android phone users can download the internet.org applicationto enjoy the services. There is no word about its availability on other platforms.
Initially, these services will be available for Reliance customers in the circles of Mumbai, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chennai, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Reliance Comm. said that the final goal is to extend the services to the rest of the country in a phased manner, and add more services and websites eventually.
According to Reliance, it has a subscriber base of over 110 million customers in the country, including over 2.6 million individual overseas retail customers. The launch of these services aim to bring the power of the internet to a billion Indians. This partnership will surely accelerate internet penetration in India and also open new socio-economic opportunities. It will be exciting to see future plans and the paths this concept takes, bringing more for the masses.
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