[February 23, 2012] Orange launches new service to make Facebook accessible in Africa Tweet Feb 23, 2012 (Datamonitor via COMTEX) -- Orange, a mobile network operator and internet service provider, has announced that it will use Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, or USSD technology, a low-bandwidth data service that is accessible from basic phones, to create access to Facebook in Africa. USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) allows all Orange customers to access Facebook through this service. Even users with older or very basic handsets without an internet connection or data plan will be able to stay in touch with their family and friends on Facebook through a text-based service, the company said. "Social networks such as Facebook have completely changed how people stay in contact with their family and friends, and it's important that our customers, regardless of the phone they have, are able to access and participate in these services," said Xavier Perret, vice president of Strategic Partnerships at Orange. "We feel that it is our role to help our customers enjoy a digitally rich, connected life, and services such as Facebook via USSD this make that possible for even more of our customers." No special applications are required to use Facebook via USSD. Customers only need to type a specific code into their phone to open a Facebook via USSD session and enter a PIN code to access the service securely. If the customer is using Facebook via USSD for the first time, they will have to register by providing their Facebook login, Facebook password and by creating a PIN code, the company added. http://www.datamonitor.com Republication or redistribution, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without prior written consent. Datamonitor shall not be liable for errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]