Hughes, Facebook Partner to Launch Wi-Fi Hotspots in Colombia

Hughes Network Systems, LLC, the global eabler in broadband satellite networks and services, has announced a partnership with Facebook to launch Wi-Fi hotspots in Colombia, supported by the Facebook Express Wi-Fi software platform.

Service providers and telecommunications integrators in Colombia can join Hughes to enable local merchants to offer affordable, high-speed Internet access to their customers on a prepaid basis anywhere in Colombia – even in the most remote and rural places – employing a compact Hughes satellite VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) and Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi software platform.

“Express Wi-Fi supports the Facebook Connectivity mission to bring more people online with faster Internet,” said Paul Monte, technical program manager, Express Wi-Fi, Facebook. “We’re excited to partner with Hughes to bring this affordable, end-to-end solution to network operators, local retailers and Internet users across Colombia.”

“This combined Hughes and Facebook Wi-Fi solution makes it possible for small businesses in Colombia to monetize their own hotspots virtually anywhere, especially in places unserved or underserved by affordable Internet access,” said Vinay Patel, senior director, International Division at Hughes. “We look forward to forging new relationships with service providers and integrators who want to join Hughes in supporting local communities throughout Colombia.”

Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi is a software platform that helps service providers build, operate, grow and monetize their Wi-Fi business in a sustainable and scalable way. Facebook partners with service providers and operators who expand the provision of fast, affordable and reliable access to the Internet over Wi-Fi supported by the Express Wi-Fi platform.

Hughes customers have deployed over 32,000 satellite-enabled Community Wi-Fi hotspots in Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico and Russia, bringing the benefits of Internet access to more than 25 million people around the world. With a Community Wi-Fi hotspot, any user can access the Internet with a Wi-Fi capable handheld or laptop, either on a prepaid or government-subsidized (USO) basis, depending on the service model. The solution can be readily deployed virtually anywhere within the satellite footprint, including areas unserved or underserved by wireline or wireless infrastructure.