Facebook has partnered with Tigo, a multinational telecommunications company, to bring access to Internet.org in Senegal. This app offers access to information about healthcare, news and local services without the hefty expense of data charges.

Internet.org was founded in 2013 with the mission “to make affordable Internet access available to everyone in the world and to make the opportunities of the Internet available to everyone. Free basic services are our solution to increase accessibility of the Internet and create awareness around the value it may bring.”

Two out of every three people do not have access to the Internet. And many are questioning why. Devices are too expensive. Service plans are too expensive. A mobile network may not be available in the local area. And if a mobile network is available, the content may not be available in the local language.

However, Internet.org breaks through these barriers with three key concepts: affordability, efficiency and a practical business model.

Data is an expensive way to gain access to the Internet. But by developing technology that decreases the cost of devices and services, Internet.org is taking the first step to provide affordable access to a world of information.

Bandwidth is a necessity when transmitting data, and it is not available everywhere. Internet.org is taking on the challenge to develop technology that compresses bandwidth, which will make data services and networks more efficient.

All of these changes would not be possible without the support of billions of people who are introducing new business models that will help more people gain online access.

Tigo is a company that shares the same values as Internet.org, providing services while keeping in mind affordability, accessibility and availability. With the help of a Tigo SIM card, users in Senegal will have access to services including AccuWeather, BabyCenter & MAMA, BBC News, UNICEF, Facebook and UNICED Facts for Life. Senegal is the sixth country in Africa to gain access to Internet.org. Other countries that have access to Internet.org include Zambia, Tanzania, Ghana, Kenya, Columbia, Guatemala, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Malawi and Pakistan.

Many may think that Internet access is available all over the world. This misconception is a leading cause as to why Internet access is still not available to two thirds of the world. With the help of Internet.org in Senegal, many will gain access to much needed information regarding health, local and world news, and education.

Because of Internet.org in Senegal, the people will also have access to recipes to prepare food that is available and local. While providing information on how to prepare food in new and exciting ways, it will also provide the knowledge essential to preparing a balanced meal.

Internet access is a necessity in today’s society. But by expanding Internet.org in Senegal and other countries without Internet, it is also providing the information to live a healthy and informed life.

– Kerri Szulak

Sources: All Africa, Internet.org, Tech City, Tigo
Photo: TechCabal