Google Free Wi-Fi Network Finally Launched In Nigeria

Google has created a remarkable history launching its network of free Wi-Fi hotspots in Nigeria on
Thursday, 26th July, 2018.

Its part of its effort to increase its presence in Africa’s most populous nation.

The U.S. technology firm owned by Alphabet Inc has partnered with Nigerian fibre cable network provider 21st Century to provide its public Wi-Fi service.

Google Station, in six places in the commercial capital Lagos, including the city’s airport is relatively as a result of its low internet operation in Nigeria.

Estimated 25.7 per cent of the Nigeria population made use of the internet in 2016, according to World Bank Data.

Google Broadband services are sometimes unreliable and unaffordable to many of Nigeria’s 190 million inhabitants.

“We are rolling out the service in Lagos today but the plan is to quickly expand to other locations,” Anjali Joshi, Google’s vice president for product management, told Reuters in Lagos.

The company said it aimed to collaborate with internet service providers to reach millions of Nigerians in 200 public spaces, across five cities by the end of 2019.

He said it would generate cash from the service in Nigeria by placing Google adverts in the login portal.

Google did not disclose the amount invested in the new Nigeria service.

The technology firm said it planned to share revenues with its partners to help them maintain and deploy the Wi-Fi service but did not disclose the expected advertising revenue split.

Africa’s rapid population growth, falling data costs and heavy adoption of mobile phones has made it an attractive investment prospect for technology companies.

Last year, Google announced plans to train 10 million Africans in online skills within five years. 

It also said it aimed to provide $3 million (roughly Rs. 20.6 crores) in equity-free support to African startups.

Nigeria is the fifth country to launch Google Station. 

Similar services has been rolled out in India, Indonesia, Mexico and Thailand.