Strategic Partnership Between Globacom and Wave5 Wireless
Telecommunications company Globacom has taken a significant step in enhancing digital infrastructure by collaborating with Wave5 Wireless, a leading provider of public Wi-Fi in Nigeria. This partnership aims to pilot an urban Wi-Fi offload project in Lagos, focusing on reducing mobile network congestion and improving data connectivity in densely populated areas.
The collaboration was announced through a joint statement released on Sunday. The initiative follows a Build-Operate-Revenue Share model, which allows 3G and 4G traffic from Glo’s mobile network to be seamlessly transferred onto Wave5’s Wi-Fi infrastructure. This innovative approach is designed to optimize network performance and enhance user experience.
Key Locations for the Pilot Project
During the pilot phase, the service will be introduced in several strategic locations across Lagos. These include Tejuosho and Arena markets, as well as 15 LAMATA bus shelters. The project is expected to serve over 200,000 mobile users, offering a more reliable and efficient way to access the internet in high-traffic areas.
The pricing structure for the service is set at an affordable daily fee starting from N500. This fee supports approximately three hours of usage over 200 days annually, which translates to an estimated recurring revenue of around $7.2 million. This financial model highlights the potential for long-term profitability and sustainability.
Vision for Connectivity in Nigeria
Biola Akinyemi, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Wave5 Wireless, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “This partnership redefines connectivity in Nigeria,” he stated. He added that the solution was developed based on feedback from local communities, who have long struggled with network issues. By integrating their Wi-Fi offload solution with Globacom’s extensive network, the companies are not only addressing data congestion but also paving the way for transformative digital services throughout Nigeria.
Wave5 Wireless, recognized as a pioneer in Nigeria’s public Wi-Fi landscape, has positioned itself as a key player in delivering practical and affordable broadband solutions. The company’s focus is on areas that have historically faced poor connectivity, aiming to provide reliable internet access to underserved populations.
Expanding Beyond Data Efficiency
Ayọ̀wándé Adálémọ, founder and CEO of Wave5 Wireless, highlighted that the partnership extends beyond just data efficiency. “Our goal has always been to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria,” he said. He emphasized that the initiative is about creating opportunities, supporting local businesses, and ultimately enriching lives through improved connectivity.
The partnership also serves as a proof of concept for Wave5’s neutral-host model, which enables multiple operators to share the same infrastructure. This model promotes collaboration and resource optimization, making it a viable solution for expanding broadband access.
Future Growth and Investment Opportunities
With a $3 million infrastructure raise currently underway, Wave5 Wireless is planning a broader rollout of its services across Nigeria and other emerging markets in sub-Saharan Africa. This expansion is expected to create new investment opportunities, backed by integration with a Tier-1 operator, predictable recurring revenue, and a scalable business model.
The collaboration between Globacom and Wave5 Wireless represents a promising development in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. It not only addresses current challenges in network congestion but also lays the foundation for future digital innovation and growth. As both companies continue to expand their reach, they are setting a new standard for connectivity and accessibility in the region.