In its quest to fulfil its potential as a “world class city” The City of Joburg continues to roll out free Wi-Fi across the city. This is aimed at bridging the digital divide.
In a country where data costs are some of the highest in the world, The City of Joburg’s free Wi-Fi can help users save money.
The City of Johannesburg has published a list of free Wi-Fi hotspot locations, making it easy for citizens and visitors to access the internet as they explore the city.
COJ has rolled out over 1000 free Wi-fi hotspots in public places around the city.
How can you access Joburg’s free Wi-Fi?
The city has rolled out free Wi-Fi across more than 80 libraries, 30 clinics, swimming pools and Rea Vaya bus stations.
Citizens can connect to the internet from mobile phones, laptops and PCs. By using network links “COJSmartwifi”or “Joburg_FreeWifi” users can simply connect and start browsing for free.
The city’s network will provide you with 300MB of data per day (or 9GB per month) for general usage.
Furthermore, if you access services via the zero-rated Maru A Jozi portal www.maruajozi.joburg/ you will have uncapped internet usage.
The municipality has also announced that the Jozi Free Wi-Fi App can be downloaded through the iPhone App Store and Android’s Google Play.
According to COJ representatives, the ultimate plan is to enable all the city’s citizens to connect to free Wi-Fi.
“Studies have shown that having access to the internet improves your GDP [gross domestic product]. The first thing is to make sure it is available, this it is of reliable quality and good quality, and then it is to get the programmes to get people to utilise it,” says Zolani Matabese, head of broadband for the City of Johannesburg.