Orange launches free Wi-Fi in SA

·20 Nov 2014

French based telco, Orange says it is planning the imminent launch of its new Orange Wi-Fi service in South Africa, in partnership with the City of Cape Town.

The group will offer Wi-Fi to people living in parts of Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain, in Cape Town.

The partnership was announced at an official address by the Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille, on Thursday (20 November).

Sebastien Crozier, CEO of Orange Horizons, said that the project will be rolled out in two phases.

“The first phase of the project will offer free Wi-Fi to anyone making use of a Wi-Fi enabled device. Users will get a free bundle per day to use as they please,” he said.

“In the second phase of the project we will offer some paying offers along with free Wi-Fi,” he said.

Crozier said that this project is aimed at bridging the digital divide in South Africa, and providing Internet access to populations that have been largely disconnected thus far.

“Orange is both excited and proud to be working with the City of Cape Town on this project. It is very important to us, as our brand is well known for having a strong CSR component, and these types of projects are very much in line with our vision of a world where internet access is available to all.”

Crozier adds that Orange is looking for new opportunities to extend its public Wi-Fi offerings in the country.

He added that the project is part of a larger plan for the telecommunications provider. “This project is a major step in introducing Orange as an ISP in South Africa, and will be key in finalising the offers that will be launched nationwide in the months to come.”

In April, Orange partnered with Cape Town-based African Eagle Tourism, to provide free Wi-Fi services within their fleet of vehicles. It also partnered with Uber, the mobile-app taxi service start-up, offering free WiFi for its customers.