Estimated reading time: 2m30s
You may have heard something about free WiFi in South Africa (SA). Well, you heard right, unfortunately, it is not everywhere, yet.
Google started the free WiFi initiative to connect those in parts with poor connectivity to the internet. Bradley Prior reported that Nitin Garija, Google Africa director, said the campaign’s aim is to elevate people in areas where connection to the internet is substandard.
By gaining access to information via the Internet, we hope that people in these communities will get a more equal opportunity to learn and develop, and live more empowered lives
Nitin Garija
The aim is clear: connect people who struggle with connectivity to the internet, to help them improve themselves. Will it stay there?
The plan to expand
Think WiFi explained that they will start in areas where most internet traffic is likely. It includes malls, transport hubs, community areas, townships etc. This way, connectivity can be offered to the greatest amount of people.
It said it will expand the current number of stations and build the needed WiFi infrastructure, while Google uses advertising to monetise the service.
Dave Chambers from Sowetan Live reported that free WiFi is already available at more than 100 locations in the Cape Flats. These locations include Khayelitsha, Delft, Langa, Elsies Rivier, Gugulethu and Philippi, and will be expanded from 125 to 136 stations.
How the Free WiFi works
MyBroadband tested the service to see for themselves how it works. When a user connects to the network, a “connect” button is displayed on a webpage. Once the button is pressed, it shows an advertisement video. Showmax and Telkom were the first companies that made use of this advertising. Then, when the video has been watched, the internet session begins. The session only lasts for 30 minutes, but users can prolong their session by watching more advertisements.
Speeds
Speed tests were made to a local server in Cape Town which averaged 1Mbps for downloads and 0.7Mbps for uploads. Not the fastest speeds, but enough to have access to reading materials for self and professional improvement as well as social media. The connection still seems to be unstable for some sites, but overall, not a bad start.
Conclusion
While still in its embryo phase, Google’s initiative with its Google Stations, is well on its way to better the lives of those who are still struggling. This initiative will definitely make a huge impact on the lives of a lot of South Africans.
