Facebook has just launched its Internet.org app in Colombia, bringing free basic internet services to the country.
This is the first time that the app has reached a Latin American country.
“Before today, only about 50% of Colombians had access to the internet. By launching the Internet.org app on the Tigo network today, we’re giving people free access to basic internet services for jobs, health, finance and communication. By partnering with the Colombian government, we’re also able to include e-government services for the first time, for education and agriculture,” says Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Through the app, Tigo customers in Colombia can access Facebook, Wikipedia, Facebook Messenger, AccuWeather, and a slew of other basic services for free.
The Internet.org app first launched last summer. Part of Facebook’s goal to get more of the world access to the internet, the app provides free basic internet services without data charges. Over 85% of the world’s population is blanketed with cellular coverage, yet only about 30% access the internet.