Bangkok--2 Oct--Aziam Burson-Marsteller
- A first for Thailand, Free Basics is aimed at bringing more Thais online and connecting them to valuable online resources and services
- All TrueMove H customers can simply visit http://freebasics.com from any internet browser on their mobile device, or press *699# and call free on their phone to get a link to the Free Basics service.
TrueMove H and Facebook today announced the availability of Free Basics across the Kingdom in an effort to bring more Thais online. A first in Thailand, Free Basics makes the internet more accessible for more than 46% of the Thai population who are not yet connected to the internet via TrueMove H's nationwide mobile network. The service is expected to help connect a wider group of Thai people to online sources of news, information, knowledge as well as entertainment via this basic internet service without data charges.
Dr. Kittinut Tikawan, Chief Commercial Officer - Mobile & Managing Director, Retail Business, True Corporation Plc., said, "True Group is pleased to join Facebook in bringing Free Basics to Thailand. We share the same vision as Facebook in giving people opportunities to easily access the internet through our number one mobile network. With our strengths in terms of network coverage and technology, we have so far seen the number of mobile internet and Facebook users on TrueMove H growing at the fastest rate in this country."
"When we, alongside Facebook, began exploring opportunities to connect more Thais to the internet, our readiness in terms of vision, network and technology was a clear indication of TrueMove H's leadership in enabling mobile business anddigital lifestyles in Thailand. We believe in giving people the opportunity to connect to the internet easily without data charges in turn could significantlyhelp educate more Thais on the power of the internet as well as grow our reach and leadership among this untapped segment of new pre and post data customers," added Dr. Kittinut.
Free Basics, a Facebook-led initiative, is aimed at making internet access available to a wider group of the world's population and lower the digital divide among people. The collaboration between TrueMove H and Facebook is another challenge for both in offering the Thai people an opportunity to connect to basic information resources on the internet, mainly covering health, education and jobs, as well as local communities and news.
The knowledge in Free Basics will greatly benefit to Thai people and help develop the country in this digital age.
All TrueMove H subscribers can use Free Basics free of charge, simply by visiting http://freebasics.com from any internet browser on their mobile device, or press *699# and call free on their phone to get a link to the Free Basics service. Free Basics is available to TrueMove H prepaid and postpaid customers, and can be accessed from both feature and smart phones.
Ms. Anna Nygren, Head of Growth Partnerships, APAC at Facebook, said, "The internet is a powerful enabler for social and economic progress, and Free Basics will help connect more Thais to the internet. By bringing people essential internet services like jobs, health and education, Free Basics gives them the power to improve their lives. We are excited to partner with TrueMove H to help bring more Thais into the knowledge economy."
Free Basics via TrueMove H's network has a strong potential to help improve the quality of life and elevate consumers' lifestyles among Thai people, who can now enjoy free access to useful content from more than 20 selected websites, which can be categorized into key areas, including community, education, health, and jobs.