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In a first for South Africa, 8ta has enabled free Wi-Fi in cabs.

This is another example of 8ta’s innovative data offerings to the South African consumer – who is not only increasing data consumption but also wants to be constantly connected. There are 150 8ta Wi-Fi enabled cabs that operate across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.

The cabs ‘follow the people’ so whether there’s a sporting event, passengers are at a hotel, OR Tambo International, King Shaka International or Cape Town International - 8ta’s Wi-Fi cabs will be available to transport passengers to their destinations.

Each cab does an average of 230 km’s per day, this translates into 1200 hours of driving time and a monthly distance travelled of 6255 km’s per cab – approximately two return trips from Johannesburg to Cape Town per month. On a greater scale this means that collectively per month the cabs travel a distance of 938 250 km’s – more than a return trip from earth to the moon.

8ta is capable of bringing products to the market that shape the industry because of their innovative nature, says Senior Managing Executive, 8ta, Amith Maharaj. The 8ta Wi-Fi cabs is only one example of this, 8ta remains a strong competitor in the data space with its various value added data offers to consumers, Maharaj adds.

The Wi-Fi in the cabs is compatible with all Wi-Fi enabled devices, regardless of whether passengers have smartphones, laptops or tablets they will now have the added benefit of remaining constantly connected with no additional cost when in an 8ta Wi-Fi cab.  

To enable Wi-Fi use in the cabs 8ta has installed a router in each of the cabs; using 8ta’s network infrastructure to supply the actual Wi-Fi service in the cabs. While in the cabs passengers will have full Internet connectivity, including web-browsing, e-mail and access to social networks.

Each cab does an average of between 15 and 20 trips per day with two unique users per trip, says Maharaj. This allows 8ta a unique opportunity to interact with users who may not necessarily be subscribers.

Connecting to the Wi-Fi in the cab is a simple process, passengers need to check their device settings, ensure their Wi-Fi is enabled i.e. switched on and then select the “8ta Wi-Fi hotspot”.

Passengers have the support of 8ta’s call centre to assist them with any connection issues while traveling. The number to call for the 8ta call centre is 081 180 for non 8ta subscribers and 180 for 8ta subscribers.

The cabs are branded with 8ta’s current 60GB+60GB offer and indicate that they are Wi-Fi enabled; they are Nissan Lavina’s.

Click here to download the fact sheet.

-ENDS-

ABOUT 8ta:

8ta is an innovative mobile service provider that provides South African consumers and enterprises the ability to talk more. Launched in October 2010, 8ta uses state-of-the-art Radio Access Network (RAN), Core and IT technology to deliver products that are of high value, simple to use and of high quality. Additionally, 8ta has partnered with leading channel and distribution partners to ensure that its products and services will be widely available to all South Africans. To learn more, visit http://www.8ta.com/