Glo Wi-Fi, a Boost for Nigerian Airport
Raheem Akingbolu, who experienced the newly-launched Glo Wi-Fi at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, writes on how it would make life easy for air travelers
In today’s business and social environment, access to seamless internet services has suddenly become a key factor in determining success. No wonder, things are changing fast across the world and at every moment, business owners and fun seekers want to remain connected. A recent visit by this reporter to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, showed how Nigeria is moving towards solving problem associated with browsing at the various airports in the country. Through the effort of Globacom, a national telecommunications carrier, a comprehensive Wi-Fi facility, which was recently launched, travellers have begun to experience a new browsing lifestyle at the airport. For travellers, who months back, had encountered difficulties in getting wireless facility at the Airport, the new development is cheering news. It naturally creates excitement as it appears to make life easier for users. According to findings, the company has begun a process to replicate the product in all the Airports managed by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). Globacom’s Coordinator, Business Solutions, Mr. Ike Oraekwuotu, who recently spoke to THISDAY on the offer, said Globacom introduced the Wi-Fi to bridge the gap between Nigeria and other developed countries. He described airports as natural abode for business owners and tourists, who cannot afford to miss out on happenings around them. “Globacom is delighted to bring Nigeria up to speed with one of the best trends in the aviation industry worldwide by introducing ultra high speed Wi-Fi data experience for travellers and other users of our airports, beginning with Nigeria’s flagship airport, the MMIA.” According to Oraekwuotu, the facility, which will be available at both the domestic and international wings of key airports across the country, has been made possible due to the great vision and passion demonstrated by the Ministry of Aviation and FAAN working diligently with Globacom. He further disclosed that the service will be available in 22 airports nationwide soon.
In a presentation during the unveiling of the service recently, the Regional Chief Marketing Officer of the company, Ashok Israni, had said all passengers using the airport irrespective of the network they are on will be able to connect to the facility. He however added that they will subsequently be directed to a subscription page where they will be able to buy a Wi-Fi data plan through three options. The options, according to him, include using an existing data plan the subscriber has with Globacom, or by recharging their line through a Glo recharge card available at the Glo kiosks at the airport, or by paying for the WIFI plan through a credit card. “Whichever option a subscriber goes for, they are ushered into a world of reliable, ultra-fast internet so that they can keep in touch with their relatives, friends, colleagues and associates regardless of whether they are connected to a mobile network or not,” he said.
According to him, users can access the Internet at the speed of as much as 100 megabits per second anywhere around the MMIA, including the Departure, Arrival, and Executive Lounges, Ticketing and Waiting Areas as well as Passengers Welcoming lobby.
While formally commissioning the facility, the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka, described the launch of the facility as a major milestone in Nigeria’s march towards greatness, stressing that it constitutes one of the critical steps necessary for unleashing the latent energy of the nation towards unlocking the potential of the giant of Africa. He commended Globacom for the hard work put into the project, acknowledging that several major obstacles were encountered along the way.
“I am happy that on the eve of my departure, this facility is up and running. We selected Globacom for this project based on nationalistic instinct and I’m proud we did because they have made the nation proud by delivering the project on time,” he said.
He called on the company not to relent in its efforts to maintain the standard already set, and also take the service to the other locations on the project plan.
The Managing Director of FAAN, Engineer Saleh Dunoma, in his own remarks said the launch was a realisation of a commitment the minister of aviation made in order to improve passenger experience in the country.
He said one of the numerous complaints the authority had encountered was lack of internet connectivity at the airports. He urged Globacom to extend the coverage of the facility to the new buildings under construction when they are ready.
With a wireless facility at the airport, courtesy Globacom, which will allow users to connect wirelessly to the internet through their smart phones, tablets, laptops and other smart devices, a bright future awaits the brand and travellers.