Vodacom, Netstar bring free Wi-Fi to South African taxis

Vodacom Business and vehicle tracking and telematics company, Netstar, have partnered to offer free Wi-Fi to commuters on minibus taxis in South Africa.

In a statement Netstar said its telematics devices installed in minibus taxis will double up as Wi-Fi routers

Furthermore, the Altron subsidiary's devices have been fitted to about 3,200 taxis across the country, with the potential to reach 48,000 connected taxis.

"With the technology infrastructure already in place to support connectivity, commuters simply need to connect seamlessly to the free Wi-Fi through the WiTaxi app," the statement continued.

The WiTaxi app allows passengers to access free Wi-Fi on their devices during daily commutes.

Access to free connectivity

The Wi-Fi is not entirely free, however. To access it commuters need to sign up and connect to the WiTaxi app. Then, they will need to watch 15-second adverts that unlock access to the Wi-Fi and are restricted to 1GB per day on their devices.

"This ad space provides an opportunity for businesses to reach a substantial target audience," said WiTaxi Managing Director Brian Mdluli.

"South Africa's taxi industry is responsible for more than 60% of daily commutes, making it an integral part of the country's transport sector and a significant economic player," added Netstar Group MD Grant Fraser.

Moreover, Vodacom and Netstar said that in-transit connectivity helped address safety concerns for taxi owners, drivers, and commuters, as the platform assists in mapping road hazards such as potholes, traffic and accidents.

"South Africans are increasingly aware of how connected technologies can improve their lives, and we must ensure that we evolve in tandem with market expectations," Fraser explained.

To access the free Wi-Fi, commuters need to sign up and connect to the WiTaxi app and watch a 15-second advert. (Source: Freepik)

Vodacom said it is looking to introduce a rewards system linked to the WiTaxi through its VodaPay "super app".

"This will allow commuters to access a network of content, help simplify their lives through cashless transactions, and let them complete daily chores while being rewarded for it," the telco added.

Wi-Fi hotspots grow

To connect underserved communities in South Africa, many companies have sponsored Wi-Fi hotspots.

In 2019, Google enabled free Wi-Fi for Cape Town's underserved Cape Flats areas through Google Station.

Google Station is cloud-based software that enables Internet service providers (ISPs) and venues to roll out free Wi-Fi hotspots in places where people spend a lot of time, like transport hubs, markets, universities and malls.

Most recently in September 2022, short-video social media platform, TikTok, partnered with Wi-Fi provider, ThinkWiFi, to pilot 50 free Wi-Fi hotspots in communities across South Africa.

The partnership between Vodacom and Netstar comes at a time when the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has suggested making additional radio frequency spectrum available for Wi-Fi broadband through a proposed amendment to regulations.

In December 2022, the regulator published draft amendment radio frequency regulations that include an updated list of radio apparatus whose use or possession doesn't require a spectrum license.

ICASA proposed the incorporation of lower 6GHz band (5925MHz to 6425MHz) and the 122GHz to 246GHz band for non-specific short-range applications.

"This will provide a much-needed boost for Wi-Fi availability and uptake and is expected to enable faster data communications between devices connected to wireless infrastructure, reduce latency, and improve efficiency and data throughput," ICASA added.

*Top image source: Image by Image by Freepik.

— Matshepo Sehloho, Associate Editor, Connecting Africa