Altron subsidiary vehicle tracking and telematics company Netstar and information and communication technology group Vodacom Business have partnered to deploy a free in-taxi connectivity service, WiTaxi, for commuters.

The partnership, a significant step towards narrowing the digital divide and empowering more South Africans through digital technology, offers up to 1 GB/day free WiFi access for passengers on their personal devices during their daily commutes.

This enables passengers to use often lengthy travels as productive time, get work done and connect with family and friends, and the in-transit connectivity, addressing safety concerns for taxi owners, drivers and commuters, can assist in mapping road hazards, such as potholes, traffic and accidents.

“South Africa’s taxi industry is responsible for more than 60% of daily commutes, making it an integral part of the country’s transport sector and a significant economic player,” says Netstar group MD Grant Fraser, adding that the connected commute is going to be a game changer for South African taxi passengers, drivers and operators.

Netstar’s telematics devices installed in Toyota minibus taxis can double as WiFi routers.

These devices have already been fitted to more than 3 200 taxis across the country, with the potential of reaching 48 000 connected taxis following the August 2019 launch of Toyota Connect, a partnership involving Toyota South Africa Motors, Altron – through Netstar – and Vodacom Business deploying connectivity features and in-car WiFi, as standard, on all new Toyota and Lexus models since September 2019.

With the technology infrastructure already in place to support connectivity, commuters can connect to the free high-speed WiFi through the WiTaxi app, in exchange for watching short, 15-second adverts.

“This is an untapped, exciting opportunity for small, medium-sized and microenterprises to generate maximum impact and unlock economic activity by connecting with about 15-million people,” says WiTaxi MD Brian Mdluli.

“This partnership speaks to how Vodacom Business can empower people through technology solutions that drive progress and inspire innovation. For Vodacom, bringing about the taxi of the future through this partnership is an extension of its goal to connect the underserved and underbanked population of South Africa, improving connectivity for all,” says Vodacom Business CEO William Mzimba.

Vodacom is also mulling the introduction of a reward system linked to this network through its super app, VodaPay, which will enable commuters to access a rich network of content, help simplify their lives through cashless transactions and llow them to complete daily chores, while being rewarded for it.

“Leveraging connectivity to create new revenue streams for entrepreneurs, taxi drivers and fleet owners at a time when business owners are looking to turn problems into new possibilities is how we take the industry and country further together,” adds Mzimba.

“The technology allows commuters, drivers and operators access to a myriad of convenience, connectivity and safety benefits. Internet connectivity has become an essential need for economic, social, cultural, political and civic participation in the digital age.

“South Africans are increasingly aware of how connected technologies can improve their lives, and we must ensure that we evolve in tandem with market expectations,” concludes Fraser.