Dimension Data division Internet Solutions (IS) has announced it will work with Dublin-based Accuris Networks to introduce an Africa-wide Wi-Fi network to telecommunications carriers, Internet service providers and other companies.
IS’s various independent Wi-Fi networks in Africa have been consolidated using the Accuris Wi-Fi Server offering, the company said on Wednesday. This allows for a “carrier-grade, homogeneous network accessible anywhere with single sign-on” and providing a Wi-Fi “fabric” for Internet-of-things applications, it said.
IS hopes to attract mobile network operators looking to offload traffic onto Wi-Fi to address capacity demands created by smartphone users. It also hopes, through partners, to attract roaming mobile customers looking for high-quality Wi-Fi Internet access while travelling on the continent.
The Accuris offering will allow Internet service providers to monetise connectivity in venues and hospitality locations using managed “captive portal” and “landing page” services for private Wi-Fi networks — an offering common in South Africa but less so elsewhere in the region, IS said.
Accuris Networks provides products that enable Wi-Fi roaming and hub services for Wi-Fi network providers and mobile network operators. Its Wi-Fi Server SaaS platform allows service providers to interconnect with other Wi-Fi providers and mobile operators to facilitate low-cost access to data services while subscribers are travelling abroad. It can also be used for domestic data offload. — © 2017 NewsCentral Media
