In an attempt to get holidaymakers to fill up at its petrol stations rather than those of its rivals, fuel retailer Engen is introducing Wi-Fi hotspots – with limited free access – at 32 sites set to go live countrywide by mid-December.
The petrol stations chosen are along the country’s main highways. Fourteen sites are already live, with 18 more to come in the next two weeks.
Engen plans to roll out approximately 700 Wi-Fi hotspots across its network of service stations in the next two years, starting with wider coverage of its highway sites, then extending it to its 1-Plus sites in the urban areas, and finally bringing the service to selected Engen service stations.
Those wanting to get access must SMS their e-mail address to a five-digit number. They’ll then receive a unique Pin that they can use to access to the service. Each device is eligible for 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi per day, while Telkom Mobile subscribers get one hour free.
Engen retail automated innovations manager Mohamed Hassanally says travellers who don’t use their full Wi-Fi time allocation at one service station can use the remaining time at the next station that offers the service. “You don’t have to SMS again. Just hook up to the Engen hotspots and you will be connected.” — © 2014 NewsCentral Media