Orange to launch free Wikipedia in Middle East and Africa

Plans to introduce the encyclopedia to over 70m network users.

The new deal will make mobile Wikipedia access free of data charges to Orange users across the two regions, in a move that the operator considers a world first.

Following its rollout in 20 markets throughout 2012, those that own Orange internet-enabled phones with 2G or 3G capability will be able to access the digital encyclopedia either through the web or an Orange widget app.

Orange hopes the service will boost interest in 2G and 3G phones and expects to have 50 per cent of users operating an internet-enabled device by 2015. A bold expectation given that the current adoption is at a maximum of 15 per cent.

Sue Gardner, senior director at Wikipedia, said: "Wikipedia is an important service, a public good, and so we want people to be able to access it for free, regardless of what device they’re using. This partnership with Orange will enable millions of people to read Wikipedia, who previously couldn’t."

Marc Rennard, group executive VP for Europe, the Middle East and Africa at Orange, said: "In countries where access to information is not always readily available, we are making it simple and easy for our customers to use the world’s most comprehensive online encyclopedia."