Telco's new 321 service lets you access public information for free

Airtel has launched a new service that aims to provide isolated people in Nigeria with free information when they need it. The service is set up in partnership with Human Network International (HNI).

The service called the "321 Service", gives people access to public service information  by making searchable via text, voice and the internet.

According to an ITU World Telecommunication report, over 54% of rural women in Nigeria have had no education.

With the 321 service, women that fall into that bracket can access public service information via text and/or voice calls. Users will also be able to dial 3-2-1 and listen to public service information in their local language anytime, free of charge.

To access the service via text, users just have to dial the USSD code *321# to access public service information in the local language for free.

For users who have an internet connection, all messages used for the service have been made available on the 321Online.org website.

The service works different ways in different countries but in Nigeria, users can choose from 8 topics, 45 sub-topics, and 500 messages. There is no information concerning an expansion of the database.

According to an HNI report, since using the service, more than 94% of women have said the 321 service has increased their awareness of women's rights and GBV, more than 96% have reported an improved ability to make household decisions, and more than 97% say the service has added value to their lives.

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To make the service work, Airtel is delivering the 321 service content for free to subscribers while HNI will launch the 321 service, develop IVR decision trees, and train in-country content developers.

Stakeholders and NGOs will decide on and fund the content development for the service based on their relevant areas of expertise, and governments participating in the project will provide technical input and contribute to the development of the content.

An Airtel report says more than 89% of Nigerian households have a mobile phone - which means there is a ready market for the 321 service. Airtel will offer its 34 million subscribers 10 free calls, unlimited SMS & USSD to the 321 service.

An HNI infographic says Airtel owns the 321 Service and is responsible for promoting it.

The same infographic shows that the 321 service is currently available in 13 countries, 12 of which are in Africa.

This service is a big step in the right direction although the success of it largely depends on the quality of the content, and that of the service as well. Users will also have to be educated on how to use the service and what kind of information they can find using the service.