Google, 8ta provide free mobile internet

Google and 8ta have announced a new service which will allow customers of the mobile operator to access select Google mobile web services for free.

The “Free Zone powered by Google” at G-South Africa would provide selected services for free from mobile phone browsers using an 8ta sim.

“Given that data can be expensive for many South Africans, the open web is only as open as it is affordable. Working with 8ta on this exciting trial means that we can offer Internet services at no cost to anyone with a phone,” said Luke Mckend, country manager of Google South Africa.

The free services will include Gmail, Google + and Google Search. According to the companies, users  will have unlimited access to Gmail from their mobile browser; they will also be able to share photos and messages and  follow updates through Google +; as well as search the internet and access the first page of websites from the results for free. If they click further into a website after that, they are directed to a page where they can purchase a data package.

8ta’s senior managing executive, Amith Maharaj, said that he was really proud bring this service to market, adding that it requires flexible and cutting edge technology and billing systems to do so.

“Effectively it means that all South Africans can have access to Google Search, Google e-mail and Google social networking by simply using any 8ta SIM card on any data enabled handset, no matter how old, free of charge. This is a big deal,” Maharaj said.

The service is available immediately to all 8ta subscribers from their mobile phones at freezone.google.com.

8ta said that users will be informed about data charges and given the option to purchase an appropriate data package should the leave Free Zone.

Free Zone will be trialled until 31 May 2013, 8ta said.