Nokia unveiled the Asha 501 at an event in Delhi earlier today. At the launch Nokia has announced that they have partnered with Facebook to offer free Facebook access on Airtel subscribers in Africa and India. Facebook app comes pre-loaded on the Asha 501, apart from range of apps including Foursquare, LinkedIn, Nimbuzz, Twitter and more.
Airtel had offered free Facebook access for their pre-paid customers for limited period earlier this year. Reliance offered unlimited Facebook and Facebook Messenger access at Rs. 16 per month. Looks like is the first time a device maker like Nokia is partnering with Facebook for data-free access.
Regarding the partnership, Vaughn Smith, VP mobile partnerships, Facebook said,
This bundle is a great way to discover Facebook on your Nokia Asha and enjoy the experience for longer without worrying about data charges. Working in close partnership with Nokia and global operators made this offer possible and we’re excited to help connect the world on Facebook.
Facebook would be free to access both from the app and m.facebook.com for a limited period of time with the Nokia Asha 501 after the its launch in June on Airtel network in Africa and India.