Express Wi-Fi
 | |
| Owner | Facebook Connectivity |
|---|---|
| URL | expresswifi |
| Launched | August 2016 |
| Current status | Launched |
Express Wi-Fi is one of the connectivity services by Facebook under the branding, Facebook Connectivity. As one of the nine programs under the umbrella of Facebook Connectivity, it partners with mobile network operators and internet service providers. Together, they provide access to the internet with public Wi-Fi hotspots which are "fast, affordable, and reliable", as per Facebook. Facebook helps by providing a comprehensive Wi-Fi platform that partners can leverage to better manage and grow their Wi-Fi offering.
As of February 2019, Express Wi-Fi was active in Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, and Tanzania.[1] [2]
Operating Locations and Local Partnerships
Ghana
Service is offered in partnership with Vodafone Ghana in various areas in Ghana.[3]
India
With nearly 700 hotspots across four states in India, the service was launched on 4 May 2017[4] announcing its partnership with Bharti Airtel. Prior to which the services in Rajasthan, Uttrakhand, Gujarat and Meghalaya were handled by LMES, AirJaldi, Tikona Infinet Limited and Shaildhar ISPs respectively.[5]
Indonesia
Service is offered in partnership with D~Net, an Internet Service Provider. From this, Facebook and D~NET have presence in parts of Indonesia, especially in Surabaya and near Sugro. [6]
Kenya
Service is offered in partnership with Surf, an Internet Service Provider. Express Wi-Fi was launched in the country on 29 March 2017 providing 100 Wi-Fi hotspots in the greater Nairobi area. Uche Ofodile, regional head of Africa Express Wi-Fi, stated leading of Kenya, in innovation, on the continent as the reason to bring the service in the country.[7]
Nigeria
Service is offered in partnership with Tizeti and Coollink; both are local Internet Service Providers. Prior to partnering with Tizeti Network Limited, an Internet Service Provider in Lagos, the service was in collaboration only with coollink.ng.[8][9]
Phillippines
Service is offered in partnership with Globe.
South Africa
Service is offered in partnership with CellC.
Tanzania
Service is offered in partnership with Habari.
Technology Partners
In August 2018, Express Wi-Fi by Facebook announced a technology partnership program. The program allows access point manufacturers to produce and supply Wi-Fi hardware that is compatible with Express Wi-Fi. The announced program participants were Arista Networks, Cambium Networks, and Ruckus Networks, an ARRIS Company. [10] During MWC 2019, Nokia announced that Nokia AirScale Wi-Fi platform will also participate in Technology Partner program. [11]
References
- ^ "Express Wi-Fi by Facebook launches commercially in India". DeccanChronicle. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
- ^ "Facebook inks partnerships to bring more people online". VentureBeat. 25 February 2019.
- ^ "Facebook brings Express Wi-Fi to Ghana".
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|1=(help) - ^ Lardinois, Frederic. "Facebook's Express Wi-Fi launches commercially in India". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
- ^ "Express Wi-Fi by Facebook Launched Commercially in India; Airtel to Launch 20,000 Hotspots". NDTV Gadgets360.com. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 14 January 2019.
- ^ "Facebook launches Express Wi-Fi app for its local-operated hotspots". TechCrunch.
- ^ "Facebook launches low-cost internet service, Express Wifi, in Kenya". Citizentv.co.ke. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
- ^ "Tizeti partners with Facebook to expand Express Wi-Fi in Nigeria". Retrieved 9 January 2018.
- ^ "Express Wi-Fi By Facebook Partners With Tizeti to Expand Coverage in Nigeria". Retrieved 9 January 2018.
- ^ "Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner program: Getting more people online with fast and affordable Wi-Fi". code.fb.com. 28 August 2018.
- ^ "Nokia joins Facebook's Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner program to build better Wi-Fi networks". Globe Newswire. 25 February 2019.
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