Airtel Africa has extended its existing partnership with global technology leader Google, with an aim to make Internet products accessible to a greater number of consumers on the continent.

The two companies have teamed up to launch Google+ and Chat SMS features across the 16 markets in which Airtel operates, and have plans to continue deepening the strategic relationship to increase affordable and ubiquitous access to the Internet and Google products for its end users.

Users can now use Google+ Messenger and Google Chat to communicate between all mobile phones and platforms, even if they are offline or have an SMS and voice only phone. With Google+ SMS notifications and ability to post status updates via SMS, users are always connected with the people in their circles.