Mobile operator Cell C has joined forces with Facebook to introduce public access WiFi hotspots at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).
In a statement, Cell C says citizens will be able to connect to the Internet via Facebook's Express WiFi platform, adding the partnership supports its plans to roll out WiFi hotspots across the country.
Cell C CEO Douglas Craigie Stevenson notes the Facebook partnership is an ideal way to ensure the mobile operator lives up to that commitment to provide Internet access to South Africans.
"Connecting more people across our country, especially those that are not yet connected, is at the heart of this project. Future projects to provide beneficial public services over public WiFi is also part of Cell C's strategic aim with this project."
"We are excited that Express WiFi is available to people in South Africa through our partnership with Cell C," says Guy Mordecai, product lead for Express WiFi at Facebook. "Express WiFi represents the evolution of that partnership, helping to build, operate, grow and monetise Cell C's WiFi business in a sustainable and scalable way."
UWC spokesperson Gasant Abarder also commented on the launch of the service, saying: "We are committed to offering only the best facilities to create an environment in which our students can thrive. WiFi connectivity supports our academic programme and is crucial to research and innovation, and teaching and learning."
Cell C says rollout across the City of Cape Town will provide access to anyone within the public WiFi areas.
As a result of a memorandum of understanding signed between Cell C and the city last year, more public WiFi areas are planned to be announced in due course.
"The Internet is a space where people can connect and learning can take place," says executive mayor Dan Plato.
"Having this free service accessible to tertiary students can help their learning journey and that's why we've signed a memorandum of understanding last year with Cell C and look forward to expanding this feature as they plan to roll out a similar service at sites across Cape Town."
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