Community Wi-Fi service to be launched in Cebu City


CEBU CITY–This city has been chosen as the pilot area for the launching of a community-driven Wi-Fi service designed to provide affordable and reliable internet access across the country.

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BREZHNEV Tero (second from left), COO/CIO of GoodApps Inc., leads the launching of LokalWifi on Monday, Nov. 11. He is joined by Joven Ecarma, Cebu branch manager of Philteq Enterprise; Cliff Villanueva, sales director of Philteq Enterprise Inc.; Ben Chen, country manager of TP-Link Philippines; Christopher Tanchan, general manager for retail and corporation of Thinking Tools Inc.; and Daffodil dela Torre, senior business development manager for Visayas of TP-Link Philippines. (Calvin D. Cordova)

 

Brezhnev Tero, COO/CIO of GoodApps Inc., said LokalWifi will soon be launched in five barangays here as part of the company’s goal to transform digital access in underserved areas.

Being a Cebu-based company, GoodApps chose Cebu as the launching area for LokalWifi.

“We are based in Cebu and second, it’s common knowledge that if you have a new product, if it clicks in Cebu, it will click in other areas. Hopefully, this will pan out as planned because it’s not just for us, it’s for our fellow Cebuanos. Because if this takes off, it’s all for Cebu,” said Tero.

The LokalWifi platform creates opportunities for credit resellers and hotspot partners, offering local business and micro-entrepreneurs a chance to earn revenue while providing valuable service to their communities.

Just like the Piso Wi-Fi system that has sprouted in rural and urban areas, LokalWifi can be a lucrative venture as it provides communities with affordable internet access while generating income for the operator.

LokalWiFi may be a newcomer but it offers the most convenient way to have internet access, said Tero.

Accessing the internet using LokalWifi can be done through Facebook messenger.

“The difference would be our single authentication. Unlike the Piso Wi-Fi, the way they provide access you need to go to the physical location, drop a coin and you have to be within range of the physical Piso Wi-Fi equipment probably 10-20 meters for you to access the internet. Most of their (Piso Wi-Fi) locations are in the streets, so you will be totally exposed while opening your phones. In our case, the equipment is outdoor type. It has a range of 200 meters, some equipment  may reach as far as 300 meters. You will go home, pay through Gcash or PayMaya, everything can be done at the comfort of your home,” Tero said.

GoodApps has partnered with TP-Link, Philteq, and Thinking Tools Inc. in a strategic  partnership for nationwide connectivity.

Tero said GoodApps is working on a three-year plan where in the first year that will probably start in 2025, it will be targeting 10,000 access points or hotspots partners.

“In the second year, the goal is to add another 20,000 access points. In the third year, we will ambitiously go for 100,000 subscribers,” Teros said.