Uber, the mobile-app taxi service start-up which launched its service in South Africa in August last year, is set to offer free WiFi for its customers.<\/p>\n
The app-based service has teamed up with\u00a0Orange Horizons, the South African arm of french operator Orange, according to an executive involved in the discussions.<\/p>\n
It is believed that the trials have been successfully concluded, with the service to run free of charge, soon.<\/p>\n
In April, Orange Horizons launched the initial research and test stage of its WiFi service offering in South Africa, partnering with Cape Town-based African Eagle Tourism, to provide free WiFi services within its fleet of vehicles.<\/p>\n
On Thursday, Uber launched its low-cost option – UberX – in Cape Town, following the launch of the high-end UberBlack service in October last year.<\/p>\n
Uber is available for Android, iPhone and BlackBerry 7.<\/p>\n
The base fare for the\u00a0UberX is priced at R5, compared to the base fare of R15 for the Uber Black service.<\/p>\n
It carries a minimum fare of R20; a per kilometre rate of R7 and a per minute rate of R0.70. The Uber Black service charges a minimum fare of R50, per kilometre rate of R20 and a per minute rate of R1.10.<\/p>\n
UberX drives customers around in a Toyota Corolla and Toyota Avanza, while the more expensive UberBlack service makes use of the Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.<\/p>\n
On Thursday (12 June), the South African National Taxi Council (Santaco), also unveiled a free WiFi <\/a>service for commuters on 3G and LTE (4G) platforms.<\/p>\n Santaco\u2019s free taxi WiFi bonanza unveiled<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Uber taxi service expands in SA<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMore on Uber<\/h3>\n