Google and Wananchi Group Launch New Wi-Fi Product in Kenya With Aptilo Networks

NAIROBI, Kenya, August 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Wananchi Group, in collaboration with Google and wireless data service management company Aptilo Networks, have today announced the launch of Wazi Wi-Fi, a high-speed wireless broadband network in Nairobi, Kenya. This bolsters the company's efforts to explore business models that can sustain high speeds and low cost Wi-Fi in emerging markets.

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The network already delivers affordable, high-speed internet access at Nairobi's Junction Shopping Mall area.  The service is free for the first ten minutes of use per day on each device. Users can then purchase a single day pass for Shs.50 per device and Shs.500 for one month per device.

Customers can pay for the service online using credit cards or local mobile money solutions including M-PESA, Airtel Money and PesaPal.

"We are having discussions with local businesses to explore expansion plans. We see big opportunities in using WiFi technology for mobile data offloading and providing high speed unmetered access away from home. The African region has always been ahead with mobile data services, and the rapid uptake of newer affordable smartphones and tablets keeps driving up the demand for data capacity on the move," says Wananchi Group CEO Richard Bell.

Wazi WiFi utilises the Aptilo Service Management Platform for service management and policy control. The platform facilitates easy and scalable service delivery, administration and monitoring. Wazi Wi-Fi is being delivered via Aptilo Cloud Services™, a hosted solution that meets rapid time to market and time to revenue objectives.  

"The internet is a powerful source of information. Wazi Wi-Fi is part of our broader goal in Africa; to get more users online, to reduce internet access barriers and to help develop a vibrant internet environment," commented Euan Guttridge, Technical Program Manager, Emerging Markets, Google Sub Saharan Africa.  "Bit by bit, the web in Africa is helping to transform communication and open up new economic opportunities."

"Capabilities for gathering statistics and reporting are key components of the Aptilo solution for Wazi Wi-Fi, as they will allow Wananchi and Google to monitor use and tailor service delivery to meet the needs of users," said Zakaria Bennani, Director Sales, Europe & Africa, Aptilo Networks.  "We are proud to work with Wananchi Group, BelAir Networks and Google in furthering their mission in making internet accessible in Africa."  

NOTES TO EDITOR:

About WANANCHI

The Wananchi Group, established in 2007, is the leading provider of cable and internet services in Eastern Africa. As Africa's pioneering provider of "triple play" (broadband, TV, VoIP) with a cable network passing 40,000 Kenyan homes, Wananchi Group is positioned to become the premier media operator in the region.

Wananchi's consumer brand, Zuku, offers the modern African consumer fresh, innovative and affordable options for entertainment and communication. There are currently three commercial products under Zuku, namely;  Zuku TV (DTH satellite TV covering 12 countries), Zuku Triple Play (a bundled cable offering of TV, high speed broadband & VoIP) and Zuku Biz (our cable SME offering).For more information about our products, please visit our Web site at http://www.zuku.co.ke

About Aptilo Networks

Aptilo Networks is the global leader in pre-integrated management solutions for control of billing, user services and access in Wi-Fi, WiMAX™ and LTE networks.  Aptilo's solutions have been deployed in more than 50 countries.  For more information, please visit http://www.aptilo.com.

For further information please contact:

Hillary Call
Public Relations Manager
Aptilo Networks AB
c/o Call Communications
P: +917-414-9262
[email protected]

Ann Nderi
Account Director
Tell-Em Public Relations (EA) Ltd
For Wananchi Group
P: +254-722-217-692
[email protected]

SOURCE Aptilo Networks AB