Google Targets Developing World With Mobile Internet Offering
Google launched the "Free Zone" service on Thursday, which allows phones with an Internet connection to access Google products like search, email and its social networking service Google+ for free.
First in the Philippines via local carrier Globe Telecom, the service could attarct people in the developing world to access internet and of course Google's ads via their basic mobile phones and without needing to have a data plan subscription with an opeartor.
Consumers can access Free Zone using any default phone browser. They'll need to sign in with their Google Account in order to use Google Search, Google+, and Gmail through Free Zone.
Of course, the service allows users to access only Google's products. For instance, if a user click on a link that takes him or her outside Google+ or Gmail or charges will apply. Clicking on a link in the search results page is free. Further browsing following links outside Google will be charged for the data costs incurred loading that links.
Google hopes to introduce the technology to more countries in coming months.
Consumers can access Free Zone using any default phone browser. They'll need to sign in with their Google Account in order to use Google Search, Google+, and Gmail through Free Zone.
Of course, the service allows users to access only Google's products. For instance, if a user click on a link that takes him or her outside Google+ or Gmail or charges will apply. Clicking on a link in the search results page is free. Further browsing following links outside Google will be charged for the data costs incurred loading that links.
Google hopes to introduce the technology to more countries in coming months.