Cell C has announced it will offer promotional zero-rated access to Facebook, making it the second app-based service after WhatsApp to be offered free to subscribers.
Through this offer, says Cell C, it is reaffirming its commitment to provide the best value offerings to its customers through innovative partnerships. The popularity of the WhatsApp promotion has allowed it to expand its value adds and will continue to look at innovative ways to bring these services to its customers.
“Facebook is one of the most popular services used by our customers and this offering will make it more affordable for them to share their lives with those closest to them,” says Cell C CEO, Jose Dos Santos..
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 at standard data rates or will deplete data bundles available. Customers will also have the option to buy Cell C data bundles while on Facebook or Internet.org.
Postpaid and top up customers will automatically get free access to Facebook and Internet.org while prepaid customers need to ensure they recharge once every 30 days to show they are active on the network.
Additionally, Cell C and Facebook are partnering to bring affordable Internet access to consumers through the launch of Facebook’s initiative, 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.
“We are excited to bring Internet.org free basic services to Cell C customers in South Africa,” says Markku Makelainen, Director of Global Operator Partnerships at Facebook. “With Internet.org free basic services, more people in South Africa will have access to resources and information that can create new opportunities and ideas, and help improve their lives.”
Time and again, access to information and ICT has proven to incorporate people into the formal economy and driven top line improvements for those that participate. South Africans in both the private and public sector need to continue to drive initiatives in this space to ensure that the country can compete on a global stage.
From 1 September, for a period of 12 months, customers who want to continue using Facebook Messenger, post comments, view and share posts and view News Feeds and profiles free of charge, can do so by accessing Facebook through the Internet.org application. Viewing and posting pictures, as well as, breakout Internet browsing, VOIP calling, Facebook videos, YouTube and Instagram will be charged at standard data rates or will deplete data bundles where available. Customers will also have the option to buy Cell C data bundles while on Facebook or Internet.org.