Google is taking another leap in its quest to provide free internet to Nigerians. The Silicon Valley company is launching Nigeria’s second Google Station center, Google’s public WiFi initiative, in Abuja today.
Today, @Googleafrica’s free public WiFi project, Google Station, launches in Abuja.
Follow this thread for all the info. #GoogleStationAbuja pic.twitter.com/ntyxaj7qXt
— TechCabal 👨🏾🚀 (@TechCabal) December 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/datGuyKOFO/status/1070653717127577601
Google Station activation ongoing at Wuse market, Abuja. Free WiFi 24 hours/ 365 days . @keskeseLimited pic.twitter.com/j86733XV3p
— Just My View (@TadePTA) December 6, 2018
This makes Abuja the second location after Lagos to get the Google Station service. In partnership with broadband provider, BackBone Connectivity Network, the new service is expected to go live in Wuse Market later today.
https://twitter.com/LazyWrita/status/1070644464518078464
https://twitter.com/shawttynatt/status/1070295158925770752
There’s currently a lot of fanfare around the market, with notable Nigerian influencers sponsored to make appearances at the launch. According to TechCabal, Nigeria’s Vice President is also expected to make an appearance, although this is yet to be confirmed.
Google Station is one of the search engine company’s innovative initiatives to make internet access free and available to millions globally. Google has been slowly rolling the service out to select countries across the world. So far the service is available in 5 countries: Thailand, Nigeria, Mexico, India and Indonesia.
In Nigeria, Google Station debuted in Lagos in July, 2018. Google Station is now available in 6 locations across the state. Some notable locations include the University of Lagos, Muritala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2, Computer Village and Ikeja City Mall in Alausa.
So there's free fast google wifi at Wuse Market.
Nice.
— Aondofa Shija 🇳🇬 (@AON_dofa) December 5, 2018
Google expects the service to be available at over 200 locations in Nigeria by the second half of 2019.
The Wuse Market, Abuja launch is just the latest location to get the service.