Robi & Internet.org launches Free Internet for Robi Subscribers

Robi became the first telecom operator in Bangladesh to partner with Internet.org and Bangladesh became the 10th country to launch Free Internet Initiative in the world. 

In case you don't know: internet.org is a Facebook-led initiative to provide connectivity to the two thirds of the world without internet access. It provides access to more than 25 basic internet websites (28 as of March 11, 2015 according to Robi) 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 officially inaugurated the service by launching the app. Shyam Sunder Sikder, Secretary, ICT Division, attended the internet.org launching event as Special Guests. At the press conference, Markku Makelainen, Director of Global Operator Partnerships of Facebook, 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."

Robi's Chief Executive Officer Supun Weerasinghe and Chief Corporate and People Officer Matiul Islam Nowshad were also present at the press conference.

THE SERVICE: 

In order to avail the service, one has to download the app from playstore. Users with feature phone can also avail the offer by visiting 0.internet.org . Currently a Robi User can access the following webpages through the app for FREE: Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Wikipedia, Healthprior21.com, Sondhan, Ministry of Agriculture, Bing, Wattpad, Ministry of Education, AccuWeather, Social Blood, UNICEF Facts of Life, MAMA ,Ask.com, Ministry of Primary & Mass Education, Prothom Alo, BDnews24.com, bdjobs.com, bikroy.com, Cabinet Division, Prime Minister's Office, ICT Division, Shikkhok.com, Maya Apa ,Amar Desh e-shop, Criticalink, Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) & ESPNcricinfo. 

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.