BRCK, Nairobi-based internet hardware and service startup have partnered with Swvl, an Egyptian ride-hail platform to roll out Wi-Fi ride-hail bus services in Kenya.
Through the partnership, BRCK will install its routers on Swvl vehicles that operate in Kenya. They will also run their Moja service which offers free public Wi-Fi — internet, music and entertainment on the vehicles.
BRCK is leveraging this partnership to serve the 70-80% of Africans who cannot afford the internet. This is why they are leveraging the commercial partnership to roll free internet and content. This process grants users the opportunity to access Moja on their mobile phones, tablets or laptops on-board public transportation and in public areas. Moja awards users points from their browsing experience. This allows them to apply for faster connectivity or premium content.
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Swvl was founded in 2017 in Cairo, Egypt as a mass transit service that offers Uber-like services via buses. Swvl is a bus ride-hailing service that picks up riders at a particular point and time. Swvl secured a $42 million in Series B round in June 2019 to expand across Africa.
BRCK has installed up to 15 of its router units in Swvl buses in Kenya with plans to roll out Moja Wi-Fi service in over 700 buses by 2020. Swvl pays a monthly fee for the routers and maintenance of the routers to BRCKS.
BRCK’s objectives to provide connectivity to commuters and Swvl’s objectives to provide a transportation alternative industry properly aligns.
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