Econet Wireless Zimbabwe
Internet-free Facebook, email and online chat SMS service revolutionises Zimbabwean communications
Facebook, mobile email and online chat access in Zimbabwe has more than doubled with the launch of ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe’s new eTXT service. Zimbabweans can now send and receive low-cost internet messaging via any standard SMS-capable mobile phone without being connected to the Internet.
Now ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe is transforming its three million mobile phone 
subscribers’ first generation handsets into virtual smartphones, using technology provided by ForgetMeNot Africa, a specialist in unified messaging systems for telecommunications operators. The eTXT service vastly extends email penetration across rural and urban areas of Zimbabwe.
ForgetMeNot Africa's unique Message Optimiser technology converts Facebook updates, emails and chat messages into SMS format, and vice-versa. It bypasses the need for internet access, and does not require subscriptions, smartphones, Java downloads or data connections.
Facebook, emails and chat messages into SMS
ForgetMeNot Africa’s unique Message Optimiser technology converts Facebook actions, emails and chat messages into SMS format, and vice-versa. It bypasses the need for internet access and does not require subscriptions, smartphones, Java downloads or data connections. eTXT users can now keep in touch with friends and family in Zimbabwe and all over the world whenever and wherever they like.
New Facebook to SMS service
The new Facebook beta from ForgetMeNot Africa is a revolution in mobile technology that enables all eTXT users to read their wall posts and inbox messages, post comments on their friends’ profiles and ‘like’ comments and updates from their first generation mobile phone. Users no longer need to go to an office or internet café to access Facebook, it is available in the palm of their hand through SMS.
More affordable than using internet cafes
The eTXT service is much more affordable than using internet cafes. Sent emails cost the same as sending a local SMS message, while each sent chat message costs just 2 cents. Mobile network operators in east, west and southern Africa have already successfully deployed Message Optimiser, instantly rocketing their subscribers’ access to two-way email and chat.
MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, Windows Live and Gtalk
eTXT enables ECONET Wireless Zimbabwe to better serve the technically-literate youth of Zimbabwe, who are already very familiar with Facebook, email and chat. eTXT is particularly attractive to young “early adopters” because it gives them a considerably cheaper and more convenient way of accessing email and chat compared to a standard internet connection and without the need for data plans or handset upgrades. What’s more, the service also incorporates popular chat services such as MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, Windows Live and Gtalk so that users can send and receive messages and invitations globally.
Jeremy George, Chief Operating Officer of ForgetMeNot Africa said, “The launch of eTXT is another important stride in Zimbabwe’s plans to develop its communications infrastructure. It enables millions of Zimbabweans to revolutionise their communication with friends and family through Facebook, email and chat messaging on any SMS-enabled phone handset.
“eTXT is the sixth deployment of our unique technology in Africa as ForgetMeNot Africa 
expands its footprint across the continent. Mobile phones may be the only way for the vast majority of Africans to ever access the Internet so the market potential for Message Optimiser in Africa is huge. Message Optimiser helps to close the digital divide, both internationally and at home, by bringing email and online chat to people living in rural areas, who may not have easy access to the internet. It enables them to communicate with friends and relatives – both in Zimbabwe and the estimated five million Zimbabweans living overseas – using technology that they’re familiar with.”
