Smart’s Talk ‘N Text brings Facebook’s Internet.org to Southeast Asia

According to the Internet and Mobile Marketing Association of the Philippines, only 38% of Filipinos have internet access in mid-2014. Smart Communications made an effort to increase that number by launching the “Internet for All” campaign and provided Filipinos with free internet (which I also enjoyed using). To continue what they have started, the telco, through its brand Talk ‘N Text, has partnered with Facebook to bring Internet.org to the country.

“Smart’s partnership with Facebook is a big boost to our ‘Internet for All’ campaign, an advocacy we have been strongly pushing for. By launching Internet.org app with Facebook in the Philippines, we are making useful information within reach of millions of Filipinos,” said Smart president and chief executive officer Napoleon L. Nazareno.

What is Internet.org?

Internet.org is a Facebook-led initiative with the objective of bringing mobile Internet services to two-thirds of the world who are not yet connected. Smart is not only the first telco to launch the Internet.org app in the Philippines, but they are also the first to launch it in Southeast Asia.

Since 2014, Internet.org has rolled out in six countries, including Colombia, Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, India and Zambia. It enabled countless millions to browse websites with zero data charges.

“Through Internet.org, Smart and Facebook are able to provide Filipinos with a vast wealth of information at their fingertips, which in turn opens up doors for greater social opportunities for them – at no extra cost. This service is what we call ‘panalo’ or a ‘win’ for our subscribers, and embodies the brand’s celebration of life’s small victories every day,” said Charles A. Lim, Executive Vice President and Wireless Consumer Division Head of Smart and Sun.

The launch of Internet.org’s app in the Philippines is led by Smart’s budget brand Talk ‘N Text.  The service is also available for Smart and Sun subscribers. The services can be accessed from the Internet.org Android app or by visiting www.internet.org from a mobile browser.

Access 24 websites for free

Through Internet.org, Talk ‘N Text, Smart and Sun subscribers can access general information from 24 websites with no data charges. On top of these sites, subscribers will also enjoy Facebook and Facebook Messenger.

Access to these 24 websites are free. Its not a bad collection of sites, but I was surprised that Ask.com and Bing is on the list.

• AccuWeather.com
• Ask.com
• Babycenter.com and MAMA
• Bing.com
• Dictionary.com
• ESPN.com
• Factsforlifeglobal.org
• Girleffect.org
• Inquirer.net
• Interaksyon.com
• Jobstreet.com
• OLX.com
• PesosandSense.com
• PhilStar.com
• RainchechPH
• Rappler.com
• SPIN.ph
• TESDA.gov.ph
• Wattpad.com
• wikiHow.com
• Wikipedia.org
• Your Money

The services can be accessed from the Internet.org Android app or by visiting www.internet.org from a mobile browser. You can also text INTERNET to 9999 and see what they have to offer.