Robi to provide WiFi service in 500 top
restaurants, cafes and retail outlets; 100 educational institutions; 10 public
places (airports and railway stations) and over 350 buses, taxis and trains.
Dhaka,
April 19, 2016: Robi has embarked on a massive project
to enable internet access using WiFi hotspots across Bangladesh. Over the next
6 months, the company is to provide high-speed WiFi service in 500 top
restaurants, cafes and retail outlets; 100 educational institutions; 10 public
places (airports and railway stations) and over 350 buses, taxis and trains.
Robi subscribers who have purchased a
mobile internet pack of at least 1 GB would be eligible to receive free
allowance of WiFi quota. In the buses, taxis and trains, WiFi will be available
to all users with WiFi-enabled devices. In the future, Robi will offer various
data bundles with WiFi quotas.
Axiata’s Bangladeshi operator has
formed strategic partnerships with AccessTel, Qubee and Aamra for deploying and
maintaining the WiFi hotspots. For rolling out WiFi in the buses and taxis,
Robi has partnered with Coalesce. The declaration came at the Robi WiFi launching
event that took place today at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.
Hon’ble State Minister for Posts and
Telecommunications Division, Begum Tarana Halim, MP was present at the
launching ceremony as the chief guest. Robi’s Managing Director & CEO,
Supun Weerasinghe and Chief Corporate and People Officer (CCPO), Matiul Islam
Nowshad along with a number of high officials of the company were also present
on the occasion. High officials from the WiFi hotspot partner organizations
were present as well.
WiFi technology is very efficient in
providing high-speed internet to the indoor users. The data traffic generated
from the WiFi hotspots compliments the operators’ 3G network enabling them to
better manage the data traffic on their own networks. This, in turn, helps in
offering better internet experience to the users on the operators’ network.
Terming
quality of service as one of the major concern for the government, the Hon’ble
State Minister for Posts and Telecommunications Division, Begum Tarana Halim,
MP praised Robi’s initiative to take quality internet service to the masses
using WiFi technology. As the citizens become more accustomed to digital
lifestyle, she thought that this measure will suitably address people’s growing
demand for high speed data service.
Speaking on the occasion, Robi’s Chief
Corporate and People Officer (CCPO) Matiul Islam Nowshad reiterated the
company’s commitment to partner with the government in realizing Digital
Bangladesh. He felt that WiFi technology provides the ultimate solution to
address the growing demand for high speed internet service at affordable price.
He opined that Robi’s initiative to make the technology available for the
masses will significantly improve the country’s standing in the global index
for digital connectivity.
Robi’s Managing Director and CEO, Supun
Weerasinghe said that “Robi is committed to enable Government’s vision of
digital Bangladesh and availability of internet is the prime enabler of this
vision. In line with this aspiration, Robi Axiata has been consistent in its
commitment to building digital bridges as opposed to being deterred by the
notion of digital divides. Empowering communities through digitization and
bridging of asymmetries through the power of inclusive digital connectivity has
enabled us to deliver quantum and sustainable impact to our nation.”