BAGUIO CITY – Strengthening their commitment in bringing the Internet to more Filipinos, Talk ‘N Text (TNT) and Facebook have introduced six new partner sites, now offering access to 30 free basic services and resources that Filipinos may now access on their mobile phones for free within the Internet.org app.
Internet.org is a Facebook-led initiative that aims to make mobile Internet services available to two-thirds of the world who are not yet connected. Smart, through its value brand TNT, is the first telco in Southeast Asia to offer the Internet.org app when it launched in the Philippines in March, offering free access to an initial list of 24 websites that feature informative and practical content, including Facebook and Messenger.
The six new Internet.org partner sites include GMA News Online, the news portal of GMA Network; iMoney.ph, a website that helps Filipinos compare financial products across different banks; JOFOM (by Jobstreet), a job-hunting site for blue collar jobs.
Also included in the roster of Internet.org partner sites are PEP.ph, one of the country’s leading entertainment news sites; Sakay.ph, a site that offers information on public transport around the country; and a local daily publication which offers community news and information in key provinces around the Philippines.
“Talk ‘N Text’s launch of the Internet.org app has boosted our long-sustained efforts to introduce more Filipinos to mobile Internet and allow them to experience its real-life benefits,” said TNT marketing head Cherish Canizares-Tupaz, who noted that TNT has been suitable launch pad for the advocacy because of its 28 million subscriber base, the largest mobile prepaid brand in the Philippines.
“The overwhelming response from our subscribers shows their increasing appreciation for the practical uses of mobile Internet in their life. Our ‘Panalo ang May Alam’ campaign best sums it up: Informed people win in life. And with these new partners, our subscribers are better-equipped to win in life every day – whether through knowing the latest news or discovering useful information that lead them to better social and economic opportunities,” she added.
Text INTERNET to 9999
TNT, Smart and Sun subscribers all over the country may access the sites for free through the Internet.org Android app or by visiting www.internet.org on their mobile browser. Subscribers may download the Internet.org app on Google Play Store. Subscribers may also text INTERNET to 9999 for detailed information on using the app and site.
‘Panalo Ang May Alam’ programs
TNT has launched a Mobile Web Development Challenge, a nationwide call for Filipino developers to create Internet.org-compatible websites and apps that serve the specific needs of livelihood groups around the country.
Aside from winning cash prizes from TNT, winning teams will be receiving developer startup packages from Facebook with an overall combined worth of USD800 thousand, the biggest local developer challenge prize to be awarded in the country.
To further support the rollout of Internet.org app in the Philippines, TNT has kicked off the Panalo Ang May Alam Eyeball, a series of fun and interactive sessions around the country designed to introduce first-time mobile Internet users to the wealth of information available on the Internet.org app and mobile site.
Last month, TNT also launched the ‘Panalo ang May Alam’ Communities in Cebu, a program that allows livelihood communities to integrate the use of app in their enterprises.
Available to over 1 billion people worldwide
Since 2014, Internet.org has rolled out in 13 countries, including Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Colombia, Ghana, India, Guatemala, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Malawi, Pakistan and Senegal, making the app available to over 1 billion people so far.
TNT supports the Internet.org app on the back of Philippines’ largest and most advanced mobile network, with over 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cables around the archipelago.
For more information on the Internet.org app in the Philippines, please visit www.talkntext.com.ph/internetorg.
Aside from Facebook, Messenger and the six new sites, TNT subscribers nationwide may use the Internet.org app or mobile sites to access general information on Ask.com, Bing, Dictionary.com, wikiHow and Wikipedia; get news updates on Inquirer, PhilStar, Interaksyon, and Rappler; get their dose of sports news through ESPN and SPIN.PH; check out the weather updates on Accuweather and RainCheckPH; and enjoy stories via Wattpad.
They may also check out free programs and trainings on the official website of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority at TESDA.gov.ph; check employment opportunities on Jobstreet; browse discounted items-for-sale on OLX.ph; gain financial literacy via PesosandSense and YourMoney.com; learn about women’s issues in sites like BabyCenter & MAMA and Girl Effect; and access health information on UNICEF’s Facts for Life.
By Dexter A. See
