Oi teams with Fon to launch Wi-Fi project in Brazil

Three months after acquiring internet access provider Vex for BRL27 million (USD15.7 million), Brazilian telecoms operator Telemar Norte Leste (Oi) has revealed details of its strategy plan to expand its Wi-Fi footprint and capabilities in the country. Under the plan, the telco is looking to integrate three different networks under a single umbrella – dubbed ‘Oi WiFi’ which will comprise: 1,600 Vex hotspots in Brazil and more than 40,000 globally through roaming agreements; Fon’s Wi-Fi network, which will be shared by users, and which comprises a pilot project in the neighbourhoods of Ipanema and Leblon, in Rio de Janeiro; and thirdly, Wi-Fi metro networks to be built by Oi as part of an ‘open phase’ pilot project in Rio de Janeiro. It is understood that Oi’s fixed broadband (Oi Velox) customers with a greater than 5Mbps broadband connection, Oi Velox 3G users and some other users on Oi data plans, will have free access to the network until January 2012. Meanwhile, other Oi customers can try the service free of charge for 30 minutes before deciding if they want to sign up for the service on a pay-as-you-go basis. Prices range from BRL2.90 (USD1.7) for one hour, BRL5.90 per day, and BRL11.90 for five days.