'Oi, the largest telecommunications company in Brazil and provider of bundled services, and iPass, a global Wi-Fi services provider, have announced a new agreement that will enable Oi to provide its customers with access to the world's largest commercial Wi-Fi network through the iPass Open Mobile Exchange (iPass OMX).
This will enable Oi to offer its customers the best Wi-Fi coverage both locally and internationally, expanding the internet everywhere concept by offering 780,000 hotspots in airports, hotels, coffee shops, and premium locations around the world. The service is expected to be available to users within the next month.
'Our goal in partnering with iPass is to offer both Oi eligible customers and Oi WiFi Vex customers greater value and cost savings internationally, to reinforce our commitment of offering the best internet everywhere experience,' said Eduardo Aspesi, Oi retail director. 'Oi's Wi-Fi network was launched in 2011 to strengthen the position of the company as the largest and more complete provider of internet access in Brazil. The partnership with iPass is very important for Oi, because it broadens the service offering to an additional 780 000 hotspots in several countries,' added Aspesi.
'By working with Oi, we are able to give their customers added value when they travel,' said Steve Livingston, senior vice president of carrier development at iPass. 'This partnership further enhances the OMX platform and ecosystem by adding such a large strategic partner and the value proposition Oi delivers to its customers. The simplicity of providing customers a complementary Wi-Fi footprint that allows easy access for people when they travel on business or leisure and invoiced through a customer's monthly bill is paving the way for the future norm.'
