By Oliver Kazung
Telecommunications group Liquid Telecom has launched a new Wi-Fi roaming hub that enables operators and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to access its network of public Wi-Fi hotspots across Africa for the first time.
The countries include Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe with additional markets expected to be rolled out soon.
“By joining Africa Wi-Fi Hub, operators can also make their public Wi-Fi hotspots available to some of Liquid Telecom’s Wi-Fi roaming partners, joining a global network of public Wi-Fi hotspots without the need for operators to negotiate their own roaming agreements,”it said.
The telecommunications group said as more local ISPs and operators join Africa Wi-Fi Hub, Wi-Fi roaming is set to accelerate across the region, enabling more subscribers to easily and securely connect to public Wi-Fi hotspots and avoid costly data roaming charges.
An official from Liquid Telecom Mr Ben Roberts was quoted as saying: “Africa Wi-Fi Hub is an important step in bringing together the region’s Wi-Fi networks, reducing cost and complexity for operators and extending coverage for their subscribers.
“Through our new roaming partnerships, Liquid Telecom will be able to support more subscribers with access to high-quality and reliable connectivity across Africa,” he said.
The telecommunications company’s partners and customers can now connect to Africa Wi-Fi Hub through peering points in Eastern Africa and Southern Africa, with the option to connect to hundreds of locations in one country or join a global network of public Wi-Fi hotspots.
Africa Wi-Fi Hub is also available as a white label service to partners and customers, providing them with brand visibility across all or part of Liquid Telecom’s network. The Chronicle