Express Wi-Fi

Express Wi-Fi is a division within Facebook Connectivity, a group of global internet connectivity initiatives by Meta. As one of several programs under the Facebook Connectivity umbrella, it partners with mobile network operators and internet service providers to provide internet access via public Wi-Fi hotspots.

Express Wi-Fi by Facebook
Express Wi-Fi by Facebook
Area servedGhana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, and Tanzania
OwnerFacebook Connectivity
LaunchedAugust 2016 (2016-08)
Current statusLaunched

As of October 2020, Express Wi-Fi was active in Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, and Tanzania.[1][2][3]

Operating locations and local partnerships

Ghana

Service offered in partnership with Vodafone Ghana in various regions of Ghana.[4]

India

Service offered in partnership with internet service providers AirJaldi, LMES, NetVision, Tikona and Shaildhar.[5] in Rajasthan, Uttrakhand, Gujarat, Mizoram and Meghalaya.

Indonesia

Service is offered in partnership with D~Net, an internet service provider, enabling Facebook and D~NET to establish a presence in city of Surabaya and Sugro, a village in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.[6][7]

Kenya

Service is offered in partnership with SURF, and BRCK since 2019, an internet service provider. Express Wi-Fi was launched in Kenya on March 29, 2017, providing 1000 Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the greater Nairobi area.[8]

Nepal

The provision of services in multiple cities of Nepal through strategic partnerships with prominent entities such as Worldlink and Microsoft Nepal constitutes a significant milestone in the delivery of essential services in the region. This collaborative effort exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to meeting the diverse needs of communities across Nepal.

Worldlink, a renowned internet service provider, has joined hands with this endeavor to extend services within the bustling capital city of Kathmandu. This partnership not only leverages the technical expertise and extensive network infrastructure and datacenter in nepal by Worldlink but also emphasizes a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity and accessibility for residents and businesses in Kathmandu.

In parallel, the collaboration with Microsoft Nepal is instrumental in broadening the service footprint to encompass Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Bharatpur. This association signifies the integration of cutting-edge technology solutions, which are pivotal in meeting the evolving demands of these dynamic urban centers. The involvement of Microsoft Nepal, a global technology leader, underscores a dedication to innovation and digital empowerment in these regions.

By integrating the strengths and resources of Worldlink and Microsoft Nepal, this initiative represents a model of synergistic cooperation. Through this concerted effort, a diverse range of services is made available to the communities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Bharatpur. This not only bridges the digital divide but also fosters economic growth, education, and various other facets of societal advancement in these vital cities of Nepal.

In summary, the collaboration with Worldlink and Microsoft Nepal stands as a testament to the vision and commitment of the entities involved, ushering in a new era of accessible and technologically-driven services for the residents of multiple cities in Nepal. This strategic partnership is poised to leave a lasting impact on the socio-economic landscape of the region, setting a precedent for inclusive and innovative service delivery.

Nigeria

Service offered in partnership with local internet service providers Tizeti.[9][10]

Philippines

Service offered in partnership with Globe Telecom, a major provider of telecommunications services in the Philippines.

South Africa

Service offered in partnership with CellC, a telecommunication company in South Africa

Tanzania

Service offered in partnership with Habari, an internet service provider.

Technology partners

In August 2018, Express Wi-Fi by Facebook announced a technology partnership program. The program allows access point manufacturers to produce and supply Wi-Fi hardware that is compatible with Express Wi-Fi. Program participants include Cisco Systems, Inc. (to be certified Oct 2019), Arista Networks, Cambium, Edge-core Networks by Accton Technology Corporation,[11][12] and Ruckus Networks, an ARRIS Company.[13] In February 2019, Nokia announced that Nokia AirScale Wi-Fi platform would also participate in the technology partner program.[14]

In 2020, the Italian software company Tanaza has joined Facebook Connectivity's Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner Program.[15]

In 2021, Abloomy, a US-based cloud Wi-Fi management software company, has joined Facebook's Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner Program.

References
  1. "Express Wi-Fi by Facebook launches commercially in India". DeccanChronicle. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  2. "Facebook inks partnerships to bring more people online". VentureBeat. 25 February 2019.
  3. "Facebook's Express WiFi in Nepal".
  4. "Facebook brings Express Wi-Fi to Ghana". VentureBeat. 1 February 2019.
  5. "Express Wi-Fi by Facebook Launched Commercially in India; Airtel to Launch 20,000 Hotspots". NDTV Gadgets360.com. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  6. "Facebook launches Express Wi-Fi app for its local-operated hotspots". TechCrunch.
  7. "Express Wi-Fi". Facebook. Retrieved 28 February 2019.
  8. "Facebook launches low-cost internet service, Express Wifi, in Kenya". Citizentv.co.ke. Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  9. "Tizeti partners with Facebook to expand Express Wi-Fi in Nigeria". Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  10. "Express Wi-Fi By Facebook Partners With Tizeti to Expand Coverage in Nigeria". Retrieved 9 January 2018.
  11. "Edgecore Networks Joins Facebook Connectivity's Express Wi-Fi Channel Partner Program". Bloomberg.com. 16 December 2020.
  12. "Enabling better global connectivity through new partnerships and technologies". 25 February 2019.
  13. "Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner program: Getting more people online with fast and affordable Wi-Fi". code.fb.com. 28 August 2018.
  14. "Nokia joins Facebook's Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner program to build better Wi-Fi networks". Globe Newswire. 25 February 2019.
  15. "Tanaza joins Facebook Connectivity's Express Wi-Fi Technology Partner Program". Total Telecom. 26 February 2020.


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