This WiFi hotspot setup company is working to make sure people in Zimbabwe have more equal access to the Internet. Born out of AMPION's bus tour startup accelerator, new venture Saisai recently won the SWELL Innovation Award at DEMO Africa.
The WiFi distribution startup offers a "bandwidth redistribution wireless mesh network" in public areas. The WiFi hotspot setup is a possibility because there are large periods of time when large companies are not using their Internet to its full capacity. This opens up an opportunity for the excess to be shared with the public at no extra cost to these firms.
Saisai is also available on public transit, allowing users to log in and vote for their route to receive free WiFi Internet access first.
What's Driving This Trend
- Bandwidth Redistribution Networks
- New ventures could focus on developing software that enables bandwidth redistribution networks in more cities and regions.
- Free Public Wifi
- The rise of tech startups working on free public WiFi could pose a threat to established internet service providers.
- Access to Internet
- As internet access becomes more ubiquitous, software solutions that cater to low-income or underrepresented nations to connect to the internet will be in high demand.
Who This Affects Most
- Internet Service Providers
- Established internet service providers will need to adapt to new bandwidth sharing models or risk being disrupted by free public WiFi startups.
- Software Development
- Software developers could pivot toward building scalable bandwidth redistribution networks that prioritize accessibility and equity.
- Public Transit
- Public transportation companies could work on innovative ways to partner with internet startups for free, public WiFi access on buses, trains, and more.
