Internet Solutions (IS) has launched a unified mobile broadband data bundle that integrates 3G, GPRS and HSPDA connectivity with IS WiFi HotSpot access, enabling users to find the most cost-effective and efficient mobile means of connecting to the Internet.
The network-agnostic IS solution offers mobility customers an integrated rand-based bundle that is managed through a single unified account. “Whether IS customers roam via IS' or partnered WiFi networks, or utilise 3G/HSDPA via either the Vodacom or MTN network, all usage is depleted from a single data bundle,” says Brett Steingo, Mobile Business Unit Manager at IS.
Steingo points out that the optimal cost benefits of using the solution are realised when mobile broadband and WiFi access is integrated. “For IS users, per MB access through WiFi HotSpots is half the cost of 3G access, and is available at major locations like airports, hotels and conference centres,” he says. “Users can also associate their mobile phones to their IS data bundle, which will significantly reduce the cost of accessing the Internet via their handset.”
IS currently owns 80% of major South African HotSpot sites, with more than 500 national locations. When combined with the WiFi partner roaming networks, IS mobility customers will have access to over 90% of all the major HotSpots available in South Africa. “In cases where connectivity is critical, a single user can carry both a MTN and Vodacom SIM card. Either SIM can be used to deplete data from a single bundle, so the user can use whichever network offers the best connection in their current location,” says Steingo.
Additional functionality includes online account management, detailed invoicing online, a single log-in and password to access the easy-to-use user interface and the ability to manage SIM cards online.
“A major benefit of online SIM management means that a SIM card can be deactivated within 90 seconds if lost, stolen or compromised, a process that would normally take 48 hours to do through the service provider,” says Steingo. “We can also restrict network and Internet access, allowing users to only access the company network through a VPN tunnel. This allows corporates to control Internet usage on the bundle, while ensuring their mobile workforce has access to business-critical applications when they are out of the office.”
IS plans to further integrate this data bundle with fixed line DSL and provide access to international HotSpots, offering international internet access at reduced rates through the global IS WiFi partner network. “With these additional connectivity methods coming online, users will have the ability to access the Internet from anywhere, through any connection, at the lowest possible cost. However, this first iteration of IS' unified data bundle already provides companies with better quality mobile broadband at a lower cost,” concludes Steingo.
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Internet Solutions (IS) is Southern Africa's most established and experienced Internet service provider. Since 1993, IS has been providing end-to-end connectivity solutions and related services across the African continent. IS is now also able to self-provision, having received an ECNS licence in 2008. This is enabling the company to deliver fully aggregated telecommunications services to the South African market.
The innovative solutions and services offered by IS are underpinned by the company's founding principles; developing a robust infrastructure that enables corporates and other organisations to communicate, which is then brought to life and implemented by the passionate people who work at the company. For 15 years IS has been delivering these products and services to over 80% of South Africa's top businesses, from listed companies to non-governmental organisations, local and national government and small to medium-sized enterprises.
All IS products and services are built on a world-class, secure and resilient infrastructure, delivered according to global best practices and in partnership with the world's leading technology vendors, such as Cisco and Microsoft. IS is a Microsoft Gold Partner with competencies in hosted messaging and collaboration (Hosted Exchange and SharePoint) and advance infrastructure (managed hosting) solutions. IS is the first ISP in Africa and the Middle East to achieve this accreditation. Similarly, in 2002 IS was certified as a Cisco Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP), the first company outside of the US to be awarded this accolade. IS also embraces open source technology and partners with leading local and international companies to deliver business ready Linux and open source solutions.
IS continues to enjoy market leading positions across multiple vertical market segments through the company's current product mix of hosting, access, security, virtual private network (VPN), mobile, VOIS, wireless, broadband and application services solutions. Recent growth in the African economy has resulted in IS spreading its services across all parts of the continent, as clients demand reliable and robust networking connectivity throughout Africa.
IS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Dimension Data and is certified as a 100% BBBEE compliant company, meeting the Level 4 contribution requirements to achieve this status.
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