At a press conference today, Robi announced that it is the first mobile phone company in Bangladesh to partner with Internet.org, a Facebook-led initiative to provide connectivity to the two thirds of the world without internet access.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP; Hon’ble State Minister for ICT Division had played a very important role in bringing this global initiative of Facebook for the citizens of Bangladesh.
Internet.org provides access to more than 25 basic internet websites for free including government information, job postings, e-commerce, educational information, women’s health, emergency contacts, weather updates and news.
Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP; State Minister for ICT Division; Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology attended the launching event as Chief Guest. Shyam Sunder Sikder, Secretary, ICT Division, attended the internet.org launching event as Special Guests.
State Minister for ICT Division Zunaid Ahmed Palak, MP in his speech said that “We are launching free internet platform for the citizens of our country. This initiative will certainly be recorded as a major milestone on our journey to realize Digital Bangladesh. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire Robi team as well as the team of Facebook for successfully introducing internet.org in our country. It leaves me with no doubt that this free internet platform will act as the enabler of a knowledge based society.”
Commenting on the launch of Internet.org in the country, Robi’s Chief Operating Officer Mahtab Uddin Ahmed said, “We are proud to be partnering with Internet.org. We believe it demonstrates our commitment to facilitate affordable internet for the masses. It will certainly help in promoting the use of internet in our society which is a pre-requisite in realizing the vision of Digital Bangladesh.”
At the press conference, Markku Makelainen, Director of Global Operator PartnershipsFacebook, presented the functionalities of Internet.org. He said, “Today we’re excited to make the internet available to millions of people in Bangladesh through the launch of Internet.org with Robi. This is another step forward in helping to provide everyone with access to basic internet services and tools that can help improve their lives.”
When a Robi customer visits website outside of the free services, or chooses to access video content, they will receive a notice indicating that standard data charges apply. Customers can choose a data pack while using Internet.org if they don’t have one. However, if one doesn’t have a data pack and doesn’t wish to buy one but still wants to access video content then charges will apply on pay per use basis for the subscriber. The Internet.org app is currently available only to Robi subscribers.
Robi’s Chief Executive Officer Supun Weerasinghe and Chief Corporate and People Officer Matiul Islam Nowshad were also present at the press conference.
About Internet.org:
Internet.org is a Facebook-led initiative bringing together government, mobile phone companies, nonprofits and local communities to connect the two-thirds of the world without internet access.
About Rob Axiata Ltd:
Robi Axiata Limited is a joint venture between Axiata Group Berhad, of Malaysia and NTT DoCoMo Inc, of Japan. Robi is the second largest mobile phone operator in Bangladesh in terms of revenue, with over 26 million subscribers, as of March 2015. Robi network provides nationwide coverage to nearly 99% of the population with more than 11,200 BTS. Robi proudly claims to have the widest international roaming service in the market, connecting over 600 operators across 200 countries. It is also the first operator to introduce GPRS and 3.5G services in Bangladesh. The Company has introduced many first of its kind digital services in the country and has invested heavily in taking mobile financial services to the underserved communities in the rural and semi-urban areas.
