Dimension Data division Internet Solutions (IS) is slashing the cost of accessing the Internet at its AlwaysOn Wi-Fi hotspots.

IS, which has 750 hotspots around the country, is making the deepest price cuts to its top-end packages of 1GB and over.

The cost of 3GB-plus accounts has been cut to 8c/MB. 1GB accounts will cost an effective 18c/MB.

Craig Stewart, Wi-Fi product manager at IS, says until now the average cost of accessing the Internet at a Wi-Fi hotspot has been in the region of 35c/MB.

“Wi-Fi should be playing a much more prominent role in connecting people,” Stewart says. “It is, however, perceived to be very expensive, largely because it is incorrectly compared to digital subscriber line services.”

The new prices significantly undercut the fees charged by the mobile operators for data access. Typically, consumers can expect to pay around 17c/MB-19c/MB for large data bundles from MTN and Vodacom.

IS’s AlwaysOn hotspots can be accessed at all major SA airports, at about 80% of the country’s key hotels and at many restaurants and coffee shops. — Staff reporter, TechCentral