Google plans to launch 200 high-quality Internet hotspots in Nigeria

Google has announced plans to rollout Internet hotspots in Nigeria, a move that will give millions of people online access. The project will involve the construction of Google Station destinations across five Nigerian cities, adding them to the list containing Mexico, Thailand and other select countries set for Google Station rollouts. The hotspots will be launched in partnership with 21st Century, a fiber provider in Nigeria.

Google Station is a service that enables the company to launch WiFi hotspots in cities by teaming up with local providers. These hotspots give the public a place to connect to high-speed Internet, which is lacking for many individuals in the countries Google is targeting.

Unlike the US, where about 95-percent of people have Internet access, only 35-percent of Africans can get online. Google previously announced plans to bring Google Station to cities in Mexico, India, Thailand, and Indonesia; Nigeria has the distinction of being the fifth country scheduled for a rollout.

Google anticipates having all 200 hotspot locations installed and live by the end of next year. Google is targeting public spaces for its hotspots, including transportation hubs, colleges, malls, markets, and similar spots. The company has a list of its existing WiFi hotspots on its Google Station website.

SOURCE: Google