WiFi service provider O-Zone Networks has signed an MoU with network equipment maker Alcatel Lucent to set-up WiFi hotspots across India, reports PTI. The company intends to expand its WiFi hotspots to 20,000 by the end of 2012, according to O-Zone Networks CEO & Founder Sanjiv Bobby Sarin. Alcatel Lucent will enable an intelligent WiFi network to facilitate easy switch over from 3G or 2G networks for O-Zone customers. It will also offer customized content to subscribers on the basis of their usage pattern, through Alcatel Lucent's technology. Funding, IPO Plans In an interview to the Financial Chronicle, Sarin said that the company has raised funding from Access Industries and is fully funded for the current rollout. However, it plans to raise additional capital through an IPO, in the future. Hotspots O-Zone has about 5,000 hotspots across the country, out of which 3,000 are operational. According to Sarin, the company saw a growth of 30% in terms of users, on a month on month basis. It has carrier partnerships with Airtel and Aircel for WiFi hotspot access in the domestic market and international roaming tie-ups with Ipass, Boingo and Comfone. It plans to tie-up with 20 more international providers by year-end. O-Zone has location partnerships with Cafe Coffee Day, DLF, Fortis, Hard Rock Cafe, and Om Book Shop, among others, for facilitating internet access. 3G Vs WiFi Sarin feels that WiFi should be the preferred mode of internet access indoors, co-existing with 3G and 4G. Since spectrum is scarce and…
