Google partners to provide cheap, Wi-Fi service in Nairobi

30.08.2011
A partnership between and an Internet service provider in eastern Africa on Tuesday launched Wazi Wi-Fi, a high-speed wireless broadband network in Nairobi, Kenya.

Google and ISP Wananchi Group are using wireless data management services from Aptilo Networks, which operates billing and access controls for wireless networks in 50 countries, according to a statement from Aptilo. For Wazi Wi-Fi, Aptilo said it will use its services hosted solution for the network's service management and policy control.

Wazi is intended to provide low-cost, high-speed Internet access in developing markets. Google has provided and will continue to provide assistance for the project, but financial details were not released.

Wananchi is also seeking more local business partners in the region, according to Wananchi Group CEO Richard Bell.

The network is already providing affordable high-speed Internet access at Nairobi's Junction Shopping Mall area. The service is free for the first 10 minutes of use per day on a single device and costs 50 Kenyan shillings (about 54 cents US) for a single one-day pass or 500 Kenyan shillings (about $5.40 US) for a one month pass per device.

Customers pay for the service online via credit card or local money transfer services. One such service is Pesapal, which is similar to PayPal. The other services are M-PESA, a money transfer system for cell phones, and Airtel Money.