To reduce mobile network congestion and enhance data connectivity for users in densely populated areas, telecommunications company Globacom has teamed up with Nigerian public Wi-Fi infrastructure provider Wave5 Wireless to pilot an urban Wi-Fi offload project in Lagos.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, the companies revealed that the partnership uses a Build-Operate-Revenue Share model, which enables it to smoothly offload 3G and 4G traffic from Glo’s mobile network onto Wave5’s Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Pilot phase to start in Lagos locations
The service, which has the potential to serve over 200,000 mobile users, will be implemented during the pilot phase in strategic locations like the Tejuosho and Arena markets and 15 LAMATA bus shelters throughout Lagos.
Both companies claim that the service will have reasonable daily access fees beginning at N500, supporting roughly three hours of use over 200 days a year, with an estimated recurring revenue of $7.2 million.
“This partnership redefines connectivity in Nigeria,” said Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Wave5 Wireless, Biola Akinyemi.
“We designed this solution by listening to our people. Locals have been facing daily network hurdles, and by integrating our innovative Wi-Fi offload solution with Globacom’s extensive network, we are not only alleviating data congestion but also setting the stage for transformative digital services across Nigeria.”
Aims to provide affordable broadband in underserved areas
According to Wave5 Wireless, a company that bills itself as a pioneer in Nigeria’s public Wi-Fi market, the project aims to provide useful and reasonably priced broadband in places that have historically had inadequate connectivity.
AyọÀwándé Adálémọ, the company’s founder and CEO, stated that the collaboration goes beyond data efficiency.
“Our goal has always been to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria,” Adálémọ said. “This partnership isn’t just about data traffic; it’s about creating opportunities, supporting local businesses, and enriching lives.”
Plans of Nigeria and Africa’s expansion
According to Wave5, the agreement is a proof of concept for its neutral-host model, which permits the sharing of infrastructure among several operators.
The company is aiming for a wider rollout throughout Nigeria and other developing markets in sub-Saharan Africa, and is currently raising $3 million for infrastructure to scale.
The company went on to say that the partnership presents investors with a promising growth opportunity, supported by a scalable model, predictable recurring revenue, and integration with a Tier-1 operator.