Facebook has partnered with Dandemutande to expand its Express Wi-Fi service to offer high-speed internet connections to millions of Zimbabweans at a lower cost.
Facebook first began testing its Express Wi-Fi service network five years ago, and has since expanded across many African countries including; South Africa ,Tanzania, Kenya , Uganda and most recently Zimbabwe. The program is intended to offer local entrepreneurs and the grass root communities affordable internet services. The partnership between Facebook and Dandemutande is the first of its kind to be launched in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe becomes the 9th country in Africa to partner with Facebook to build more internet access points that will enable developing countries easily set up and manage their hotspots, in turn providing high speed connectivity to more communities.
Unlike Facebook’s previous attempt at connecting people to the internet through the Free Basics initiative that gave consumers access to select apps and portals, the Express Wi-Fi offers internet at upwards of 10Mbps speeds without any per day limit or restrictions on accessing any part of the internet. Express Wi-Fi will not even require a user to have or set up a Facebook account.
Speaking at the launch Chief Executive Officer Mr Never Ncube said “We thank Facebook for choosing us as the ideal partner for the Express Wi-Fi initiative in Uganda. Your choice is a great mark of confidence in our services and brand and we commit to ensure that through this partnership, millions of Zimbabweans gain access to affordable internet across the country.”
How to access
Anyone can access the Express Wi-Fi network by signing up with an Express Wi-Fi retailer and purchasing monthly data pack at a rate set by Facebook partners.
They will then be able to connect to the Express Wi-Fi hotspot, register/create an account, login and start browsing or use any app on the entire internet.
Prices
| 10 GB | $1,35 |
| 5GB | 662 |
| 2GB | 265 |
| 1GB | 135 |
| 500 MB | $65 |
