In a first for South Africa, mobile service provider 8ta has launched a fleet of cabs that feature free Wi-Fi connectivity.
The fleet of 150 cars operate across Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, and offer customers the opportunity to link to the 8ta network for free.
Each Nissan Lavina cab does an average of 230 km’s per day and is branded with the operator’s current 60GB + 60GB offer.
The Wi-Fi is compatible with all Wi-Fi devices. Each vehicle features a Huawei E5331 router connected to a 3G data network. Connectivity is a matter of checking device settings, ensuring Wi-Fi is enabled and selecting ‘8ta Wi-Fi hotspot’.
The launch of these mobile hotspots forms part of 8ta’s ongoing focus within the data space.
Senior Managing Executive at 8ta, Amith Maharaj, said, “It will allow consumers who don’t subscribe to 8ta today to experience our network and it is taking mobility to a new level. The only way to get the message out there about our network is to get people to use it… the more people that try it, the better.”
The facility will not be open to other networks and Maharaj explained that 8ta can control its own network and wants to ensure that customers gain that specific experience.
Chris Tredger, Online Editor
