Taxis in South Africa are speeding things up, and not in the way we’re used to. Taking a tech turn, it’s all systems go for free WiFi in taxis, helping millions of people access the internet on the move.
South Africa (12 April, 2023) — Many South African taxis rely on innovation. No space on the road? They’ll make some. Not enough time to get people to work? The taxi will defy the laws of time. Often these antics result in the most creative language your ears have ever heard your lips utter. Still, despite general safety side-eyes, the mighty taxi prevails in innovation again—this time through WiFi wonders.
The plan of action is for numerous commuters to enjoy free WiFi, available when cruising via taxi. The service, dubbed ‘WiTaxi’ will help countless people who can’t afford data or don’t have an internet connection at home.
“SA’s taxi industry is responsible for more than 60% of daily commutes, making it an integral part of the country’s transport sector and a significant economic player,”— Grant Fraser of Netstar.
In a country where free WiFi in public spaces isn’t always common, an idea was spitballed and created over ten years ago. Today, the WiTaxi app has teamed up with others to make SA’s journey into the digital lane happen faster.
Simply enough, it was found that telematic devices (trackers) also work as WiFi routers. The potential? A reach of 48 000 taxis, and tons of commuters are enabled to surf the internet as their taxis do the roads.
Of its reach, Brian Mdludi, the MD of WiTaxi shares that roughly 15 million people could benefit from the free WiFi service. That means a plethora of budding business owners, students and professionals who need the Internet to grow their dreams.
And of course, for a laugh or dose of inspiration on the way to work, because we all need that too sometimes.
Up to 1GB can be used daily for users, at no cost (par some short ads).
Now this is the taxi news we love to hear!
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