Telecom Lead America: Mobile operator Oi has selected Ruckus Wireless for rolling out nationwide Wi-Fi hotspot service in Brazil.
The telecom service provider will utilize Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi to complement its existing mobile network.
This will enable the mobile operator to offload data traffic to carrier-class Wi-Fi infrastructure.
Oi plans to integrate its Wi-Fi network and services with its existing mobile infrastructure to offer subscribers a simple, reliable and seamless broadband experience.
The company has deployed thousands of Smart Wi-Fi hotspots with plans to expand its branded broadband services and hotspot footprint using Ruckus ZoneFlex products in locations such as McDonalds, Starbucks, airports, hotels, business centers and other public venues.
Oi is also using Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi to offer managed Wi-Fi services to small and medium business throughout Brazil.
In March 2012, Oi had 70.8 million revenue generating units (RGUs). This total includes 44.1 million in personal mobile segment, 18.6 million in residential segment and 8.1 million in business/corporate segment.
“There is huge potential to increase penetration and integration of telecom services in Brazil, and we view Wi-Fi as a strategic technology accomplishing this,” said Pedro Ripper, Innovation and New Business director for Oi.
“We have invested in Wi-Fi and view this technology as a complement to our existing mobile service offering. We also saw the need for carrier-class Wi-Fi equipment that would allow us to offer more reliable and higher speed Wi-Fi services and seamlessly integrate our hotspot islands directly into our mobile infrastructure in the future,” Ripper added.
Besides Oi, operators such as Time Warner Cable, O2 Telefonica UK, BSKYB, Towerstream and Tikona Digital Networks have standardized on Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi.
“Oi has seen the future and understands the importance that Smart Wi-Fi plays in delivering a reliable, high-speed wireless connections to their subscribers wherever they roam,” said Selina Lo, president and CEO of Ruckus Wireless.
Recently, Ruckus Wireless announced that its Smart Wi-Fi products have been selected as part of the Wi-Fi Alliance’s Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Passpoint test bed. The company has completed Phase 1 interoperability trials within the Wireless Broadband Alliance Next Generation Hotspot program.
