Low-cost ISP POA Internet Launches Free Public Wi-Fi For Its Subscribers

Low-cost Internet service provider POA has completed Kenya’s largest public Wi-Fi network with the deployment of more than 3,000 hotspots across Nairobi and Kiambu counties and the launch of seamless home broadband and street Wi-Fi for its subscribers, in a technology first in East Africa.

This will majorly favour subscribers in rural communities in Nairobi residing in Kibera, Jamhuri, Kawangware, Kangemi, Kabiria, Waithaka, Racecourse, Kinoo, Dagoretti, Kikuyu, Kiambu, Ting’ang’a, Kirigiti, Ndumberi and Githunguri.

UKO POA Wi-Fi can also be used by non-broadband subscribers at prices far lower than traditional data bundles.

For these pay-as-you-go users, the Wi-Fi network, at speeds of up to 2Mbps, offers unlimited volumes of data for just Sh10 an hour or Sh50 a day.

POA Chief Executive Andy Halsall said the new venture will help customers enjoy accessing the internet without worrying about their mobile bundles depleting.

“Our aim is to at least save consumers at least half the cost of buying Internet and ends the tradition of counting MBs. They can stream or download files as large as they like, opening up the Internet to far richer use at a far lower cost,” he said.

The new integrated network has been made possible through poa!’s partnership with global Wi-Fi solutions provider Fon, making it the first partnership in East Africa for Fon.

Andy said the partnership to create the new development was especially driven by the demand of the growing technology demand of new business models.

“We realized that if we were truly going to deliver a step-change in access to the Internet in Kenya, we needed to innovate and build new business models around next-generation technology,” he said.

“Fon developed the Wi-Fi sharing model that now dominates the Internet landscape in the West. Wi-Fi sharing access points provide Internet in homes and on the streets of many developed nations, and we are proud to bring this technology to East Africa,” he added.

“High-speed home broadband with free access to thousands of Wi-Fi hotspots, and low-cost unlimited internet access on the street for those who can’t afford a home connection is transformational in bringing affordable internet to all Kenyans, ” said Andy.

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