TIP OpenWiFi is an open source-based Wi-Fi architecture that enables multi-vendor, interoperable Wi-Fi networks
Kenya now has its first Telecom Infra Project (TIP) OpenWiFi outdoor network thanks to a collaboration between free WiFi internet service provider ThinkWiFi and Mawingu, an internet service provider backed by Microsoft.
TIP OpenWiFi is an open source-based Wi-Fi architecture that enables multi-vendor, interoperable Wi-Fi networks. Last year, Co-Chair of the TIP Open Converged Wireless Group Chris Busch told RCR Wireless News that the idea behind OpenWiFi is to “unlock premium Wi-Fi features” without vendor lock in. “Operators are resonating really well with choice of platform and choice of cloud. The next obvious step was having a seamless onboarding experience on top of that choice,” he said.
For ThinkWiFi, OpenWiFi makes it possible to “seamlessly mix and match access points and controllers” from TIP OpenWiFi-compliant manufacturers and developers, enabling faster application creation. The Wi-Fi network, built on top of Mawingu’s network infrastructure, uses TIP OpenWiFi-certified hardware and software, such as access points (APs) from Edgecore and CIG, while Wavespot provides the cloud controller.
“Working with Mawingu and TIP OpenWiFi provides social upliftment where everyone can get connected to enterprise-grade Wi-Fi through an easy-to-use advertising platform,” said Janine Rebelo, founder and CEO of ThinkWiFi. “It’s a win-win-win where brands win by gaining access to high growth consumer segments, consumers win with free, uncapped, high speed connectivity, and the community wins by getting unfettered access to the digital economy through free Wi-Fi networks powered by advertising revenue.”
The collaboration is funded using an advertising-based model, and represents the first time a TIP OpenWiFi network has been built and commercialized using a sponsorship platform, said the company.
“Mawingu’s aim is to help our customers access new opportunities for work, education, entertainment, and social connections, through the power of the Internet. Our company’s mission is driven by this very purpose: Open Opportunities”, says Farouk Ramji, Mawingu CEO. “Through our collaboration with ThinkWiFiand OpenWiFi, we can provide free internet to bring us closer to bridging the digital divide in Kenya.”
Additional city centers, transit and tourist hubs and retail malls in Kenya and South Africa are planned as part of the ongoing rollout of the ThinkWiFi OpenWiFi network. Eventually, the aim is to expand even further, hitting other African countries and southern European regions.
