Algar Telecom, a central Brazil mobile service provider has selected Cisco® mobile Internet equipment for its Wi-Fi network coverage expansion project in the Triangulo Mineiro region, in the state of Minas Gerais, and in the countryside of São Paulo, Brazil. Algar Telecom's subcribers with its Simcard will have their devices automatically identified by the network, granting them free Wi-Fi access, without a password request.
"More than a complement to the 3G network, Algar utilized Wi-Fi connectivity as a differential advantage to attract and retain customers, as well as a possibility to generate additional revenue. Enabling Wi-Fi network access in the Triangulo Music, for example, was a sudden decision. A month from the event, we started negotiations with Cisco, a rather short-term for product supply, but ease of deployment and configuration technology allowed us to make the network available at the stadium in just three days."
- Luis Antonio Andrade Lima, director of operations and technology, Algar Telecom
"Nowadays, Wi-Fi access in public places is considered an alternative for service providers to make Internet access available to their customers in areas where the 3G network is overloaded. In addition to our extensive market expertise, Cisco offers a great deal of product availability and competitive price through local manufacturing, meeting this particular demand."
- Rodrigo Dienstmann, president of Cisco in Brazil