Tizeti Co-founder, Kendall Ananyi.
On Wednesday 8 November 2017, wireless internet service provider, Tizeti, announced a partnership to expand Express Wi-Fi through Facebook in Nigeria, with plans to roll out hundreds of hotspots over the coming months. The announcement was made at AfricaCom 2017 in Cape Town South Africa. According to the companies, this initiative supports Facebook’s and Tizeti’s shared goal of connecting more people to the internet in a cost-efficient way.
Defined as a fast and affordable public wi-fi hotspot service, Express Wi-Fi in Nigeria is focused in areas where people gather and work, including markets, cafes and public outdoor spaces. Using affordable internet through Tizeti’s wi-fi technology, anyone with a wi-fi capable device and the ability to receive a one-time SMS will be able to use Express Wi-Fi without switching SIM cards or having a data plan. People can connect through Express Wi-Fi on most Android and iOS phones, tablets, and laptops.
Commenting on the announcement, Kendall Ananyi, CEO of Tizeti, said: “We look forward to launching this partnership with Express Wi-Fi which allows us to continue our mission to bring affordable and reliable internet to more Nigerians.”
“Express Wi-Fi aims to reduce barriers to connectivity such as limited infrastructure and high data costs, giving more people, such as small business entrepreneurs and developers, the opportunity to connect and build community,” said Uche Ofodile, Regional Head of Africa, Express Wi-Fi by Facebook. “We’re excited to partner with Tizeti to expand access in Nigeria and roll out hotspots in the coming months.”
The Express Wi-fi plans range from N50 for 100MB to N2,000 for 10GB.
In addition, anyone connected to an Express Wi-Fi hotspot can access Facebook Flex and Free Basics, which offers people access to impactful local services, including health resources, education and business tools and more.
Express Wi-Fi is currently available in five countries—Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, India, and Indonesia.