Wananchi Group, in collaboration with Google and wireless data service management company Aptilo Networks; have today announced the launch of Wazi Wi-Fi, a high-speed wireless broadband network in Nairobi, Kenya.
This bolsters the company’s efforts to explore business models that can sustain high speeds and low cost Wi-Fi in emerging markets.
The network already delivers affordable, high-speed internet access at Nairobi’s Junction Shopping Mall area. The service is free for the first ten minutes of use per day on each device. Users can then purchase a single day pass for Shs.50 per device and Shs.500 for one month per device.
Customers can pay for the service online using credit cards or local mobile money solutions including M-PESA, Airtel Money and PesaPal.
“We are having discussions with local businesses to explore expansion plans. We see big opportunities in using WiFi technology for mobile data offloading and providing high speed unmetered access away from home.
The African region has always been ahead with mobile data services, and the rapid uptake of newer affordable smartphones and tablets keeps driving up the demand for data capacity on the move,” says Wananchi Group CEO Richard Bell.
Staff writer
