12 September 2023
Internet service providers (ISP) ThinkWiFi and Mawingu have launched the first outdoor Telecom Infra Project (TIP) OpenWiFi network in Kenya. The collaboration is funded using an advertising-based model, the first time a TIP OpenWiFi network has been built and commercialised using a sponsorship platform.
Launched in 2021, TIP OpenWiFi is an open source-based WiFi architecture that enables multi-vendor, interoperable WiFi networks. OpenWiFi-based solutions enable the seamless mix and match of access points and controllers from any TIP OpenWiFi compliant manufacturer, allowing developers to quickly create new applications. There are more than 300 companies involved with the TIP OpenWiFi initiative from OEMs, ODMs and silicon providers to managed service providers and app developers.
Purposefully closing the connectivity gap
“ThinkWiFi’s mission is to empower people by giving them access to the internet. We are a purpose-based business working to close the digital divide,” said Janine Rebelo, founder and CEO of ThinkWiFi. “Working with Mawingu and TIP OpenWiFi provides social upliftment where everyone can get connected to enterprise-grade WiFi through an easy-to-use advertising platform. It’s a win-win-win where brands win by gaining access to high growth consumer segments, consumers win with free, uncapped, high speed connectivity, and the community wins by getting unfettered access to the digital economy through free WiFi networks powered by advertising revenue.”
Managed from ThinkWiFi’s headquarters in South Africa, the WiFi network uses TIP OpenWiFi certified hardware and software including access points (APs) from Edgecore and CIG. Wavespot provides the cloud controller which also implements the backend analytics and location-based services through its AICloud allowing ThinkWiFi to gain valuable customer experience insights. The WiFi network is built on top of Mawingu’s network infrastructure.
“This network clearly demonstrates why TIP OpenWiFi is the most innovative connectivity solution on the market today – it’s open, with multiple vendors supplying hardware, so it can be scaled to provide superb speeds without vendor lock-in. Plus, funding the network through advertising makes community connectivity widely available, and as OpenWiFi already offers a much lower TCO, it’s a very effective way to build affordable WiFi networks in city centers,” said Jack Raynor, TIP OpenWiFi program group co-chair. “Simply put, OpenWiFi is beneficial to the communities that we serve and that’s why we’ve seen it scale so rapidly around the world.”
“Mawingu’s aim is to help our customers access new opportunities for work, education, entertainment, and social connections, through the power of the Internet. Our company’s mission is driven by this very purpose: Open Opportunities,” said Farouk Ramji, Mawingu CEO. “Through our collaboration with ThinkWiFiand OpenWiFi, we can provide free internet to bring us closer to bridging the digital divide in Kenya.”
The ThinkWiFi OpenWiFi network is the first part of a larger rollout that will include additional city centres, transit, and tourist hubs and retail malls in Kenya and South Africa with plans to expand into other African countries. The ThinkWiFi OpenWiFi network deployments are expected to cover several public service and healthcare facilities through collaboration and partnership with public organisations.
