Brazilian telecom operator Oi has gone a step further in its 3G data offload strategy. The company unveiled an Android application to improve the user experience when switching from 3G to Wi-Fi networks.
“Offloading 3G is an important key in our strategy, which is focused on aggregating value to our customers,” said Oi’s director for new business, Abel Camargo, in an exclusive interview with RCR Wireless News.
Until now, subscribers needed to enter a login identification and password every time they wanted to access the Internet. By using the Android application, after the first time a customer inserts his or her login and password, all subsequent connections are automatic, making a seamless experience for users. “It increases security and it is better for users,” Camargo said.
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Oi launched its strategy to offer customers Wi-Fi coverage locally and internationally in 2011 in order to strengthen its position as a complete provider of Internet access in Brazil. Currently, the Brazilian carrier offers 2,200 Wi-Fi hotspots across 100 cities in Brazil. “To invest in Wi-Fi is also cheaper than investing to increase our 3G network,” Camargo said, without disclosing how much company has been investing in its Wi-Fi business.
Oi is hoping to reach 1 million hotspots over the few next years. To achieve this goal, Oi has purchased the Wi-Fi company Vex for $16.8 million, it has partnered with Fon, a Spanish company with more than 4.5 million Wi-Fi hotspots, and the carrier has closed a deal with global Wi-Fi services provider iPass in order to provide its customers with access to the iPass’ Wi-Fi network through the iPass Open Mobile Exchange.
Oi’s Wi-Fi strategy includes deployments of both indoor and outdoor networks. Although they use different technologies, the user experience is the same. In addition to installing hotspots in high-use areas, such as malls or airports, Camargo explained they use a sharing Wi-Fi service to boost access among enterprise clients. Oi also has about 25 outdoor hotspots
When enterprise customers buy Oi’s broadband connections they are provided with a public Wi-Fi hotspot service and a private connection that shares the same bandwidth, so it can be offered to clients, too. “We’re confident that our company has more Internet band capacity and can ensure adequate security to protect private connections,” Camargo explained. “With this service, small firms such as a restaurants, bakeries, and others others can provide their customers with Wi-Fi access.”
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