Zimbabwean and Algerian mobile subscribers on VimpelCom controlled networks such as Telecel are set to benefit from a deal signed with Twitter allowing them to easily access the social networking platform.

VimpelCom is an international telecoms company with a range of traditional and broadband mobile and fixed technologies in Algeria, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in addition to mobile voice operations in other countries. In Zimbabwe, VimpelCom partly owns Telecel Zimbabwe while in Algeria; it partly owns Orascom Telecom Algerie SpA.

The new partnership between Twitter and VimpelCom will offer "customers new ways to connect and engage with communities and content on Twitter," the two companies said in a news release on Wednesday.

The VimpelCom units in these countries – and several others it owns across the world – will "be able to utilize the Twitter mobile portfolio of services aimed at emerging markets, including Twitter SMS and Twitter USSD designed to on-board first-time m-data users and Twitter Access that will drive customer engagement and stimulate mobile internet usage" at no data cost to VimpelCom customers.

In Zimbabwe, Telecel rival operator, Econet Wireless is readying introduction of special unlimited Twitter bundles after running a free trial for subscribers in the past three months.

Officials at Econet Wireless say the Twitter bundles will be introduced soon. However, it appears Telecel Zimbabwe will likely capitalise on the facility unveiled by its international parent company, VimpelCom.

"Social networks have become an essential part of our customer life. Our partnership with Twitter, one of the world leaders in social network services, will offer our customers new reasons to use internet on their mobiles every day," said Mikhail Gerchuk, VimpelCom's Group Chief Commercial Officer.