Airtel launches the world’s first USSD-based Facebook® access service in Nigeria – Facebook by Fonetwish.
Airtel yet with another amazing service after the introduction of HD voice now launched a new service enabling it’s customer access to Facebook via USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data), where customers can access Facebook on any type of phone regardless of its internet ability. So if you have a Stone Age phone like the Nokia 1100 or even the new Nokia 105 which has no internet facility, you can access Facebook on it easily without subscribing to a data plan.
Airtel Introduces Special Facebook via USSD Service on any kind of phone
The whole thing runs in USSD interface and that is very easy to use, the service allows its mobile customers to update their Facebook status messages, view / comment on / ‘Like’ news feed, post on friends’ walls, find / add friends, confirm friend requests, view notifications and much more without using the internet or activating internet capabilities.
Based on Fonetwish developed by U2opia Mobile, a social and mobile applications provider, this unique and affordable service was first available in the world to Airtel customers in India around May, 2011 and is set to empower more and more people across the country to stay connected with their loved ones through Facebook.
To start using it you dail *688#, you will be prompt to type onto the screen your username and password and you are logged in and have full access to your Facebook account.
Speaking on the new initiative, Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Olu Akanmu said Airtel is committed to enabling Nigerian youths connect to their friends and have all the fun they desire on-line through the most compelling innovative services in the Nigeria market. “At Airtel, the quest for total satisfaction of our customers drives us to continuously respond with customized offerings and services that will delight and engage telecom consumers. We will always occupy the front row in innovation that will enable Nigerians to build great bonds of friendships and fulfill their life aspirations. Airtel is committed to making the immense benefits of Facebook available to the widest number of Nigerians,” he said.