Google is more than a search engine, it has loads of life-changing services on its shelf to offer to millions of people who live across the globe.
In the past years, Google introduced a service aimed at partnering with local players to provide WiFi hotspots in public spaces where persons can get access to free internet connections.
Google had announced the start of the Google Station Program in Africa, with Nigeria being one of the first countries to enjoy this free service.
One of the aims of the Google station program in Africa is to solve problems with internet connectivity.
In this writeup, you will know what google station is, how many countries have benefitted from it and how many Nigerian cities enjoyed this free internet service.
What is google station?
In 2012, Google started its Google Station initiative with its inaugural launch in countries like Thailand, Mexico, India, and Indonesia. Google stations are positioned to offer free WiFi services to their beneficiaries.
In 2018, Nigeria joined the other countries to become the 5th beneficiary of the free WiFi program as provided for by Google.
The program’s model is designed in such a way that local partners and Google will team up to provide the hardware and software that will facilitate the actualization of the “Free WiFi goal for all” goal.
Most organizations that partnered with Google on this project are Mobile Network Operators, The Government, Fibre providers, and even infrastructure companies.
Google Station in Nigeria
In order to bring free WiFi to different cities in Nigeria, Google sets out to partner with 21st century Nigeria, a Nigerian-based fiber network company to make internet access free in 200 locations of 5 different cities in Nigeria.
This project started in Lagos. Target locations include; well-populated areas like transport hubs, schools or tertiary institutions, the airport, parks, and even malls.
After Lagos had had a successful google station up and running, they move on to establishing the same services in 5 additional Nigerian cities — Abuja, Kaduna, Enugu, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt.
The free internet service provided by Google was fast and secure.
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