Nepalese telco Ncell announced a collaboration with Meta to allow mobile subscribers to access Facebook Basic Mode and text-only web browsing without using their data balance or subscribing to a data package.
The partnership enables Ncell customers to use Facebook Basic Mode, a simplified version of Facebook that includes images and text, as well as Discover, an Android app for text-only web browsing. Both apps can be accessed without a data package or when a customer’s data allowance runs out, although they do not support streaming audio or video. Full Facebook access is available as long as customers have sufficient data balance, switching to Basic Mode when data runs out.
The apps are subject to Ncell’s fair usage policy and are expected to benefit 2G customers and those in urban areas who struggle to afford consistent data access. Umair Mohsin, Ncell’s Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized the initiative’s role in promoting internet adoption and digital inclusivity in Nepal, stating, “Collaborated efforts like this will take a significant stride towards the achievement of the objective of a digitally inclusive Nepal.”