Google has opened a new Google station in Western Cape, South Africa. The new station will provide fast, open and free WiFi networks to South African. The launch was announced at the recently concluded ‘Google for South Africa’ event held in Johannesburg.
Google Station is a service that allows partners to roll out free Wi-Fi hotspots in public places by providing software and advice on hardware to turn fibre connections into Wi-Fi. Thus, the launch of the new Google will aid access to information and accelerate knowledge acquisition in local communities across South Africa.
The Africa Director of Google, Nitin Gajria noted that the new Google station will promote equal information access to rural dwellers and enable equal opportunities to learn, develop and be empowered.
The new Google Station was launched in partnership with Think Wifi. With this partnership, Google will be able to provide free WiFi for internet access in communities, towns, public areas, universities, transportation hubs and shopping malls in Western Cape.
See Also: Google to Launch ‘Fast Wi-Fi For Everyone’ in South Africa
Also announced at the event is the release of $1 million in funding support for NGOs and social enterprises that empower women and the girl child. The fund came in tandem with Google’s 5-year commitment to empowering women globally.
The Search engine giant also unveiled recent updates to its product like GoogleGO and Google Assistant. They also unveiled a new reading app for kids dubbed Bolo.
More on TechGist Africa
- Google’s New Project to Digitize and Exhibit Kenya’s Museum Collection
- Google partners Australian DCP to Launch New Cloud Hub in Poland
- Amazon Invests R356 million to Incubate 100 Black South African ICT Entrepreneurs
- Naspers Foundry to fund tech Startups that address Societal Needs in South Africa
- Kenya’s BRCK Acquires Surf; Becomes One of Africa’s Biggest Wifi Network Provider