Online cab aggregator Ola has launched Ola WiFi, a WiFi service in Ola cabs which will let Ola users connect to it automatically, without having to enter credentials. It is unclear how a user can connect to this WiFi initially, but Ola claims that users with a ‘one time authentication’ can use Ola WiFi without having to login into the network for subsequent rides. We imagine that the company uses a standard network name and authentication across its cabs to prevent disconnection, but more details are scant, since the company says that it is a proprietary technology. Auto connect WiFi is available for free on Ola Prime, and Ola plans to make this available across all its categories like Micro, Mini and autos (albeit it doesn’t mention if the service will be free or charged). As of now, Ola claims to have 350,000 cabs and 80,000 autos and taxis on its platform. Unlike Uber which partners with Airtel for 4G WiFi and payment through Airtel Money, Ola doesn’t have a carrier or a WiFi partnership to provide internet. Ola Prime users used 200TB of data monthly Ola says that this initiative is a part of Ola’s Innovation Labs, in line with the government’s Digital India initiatives and is inspired from WiFi in public spaces. Honestly, we fail to see the connection with Digital India. Ola claims that over 200 TB of data (timeframe not mentioned) was consumed monthly by Ola Prime users through WiFi, while 65% of users who chose…
