3UK, one of the UK’s top mobile operators, has selected Wi-Fi service management solutions from Aptilo Networks to serve over 500K subscribers with Wi-Fi in the London Underground.
The operator plans to use the high-capacity Wi-Fi network to bridge the gap between 3UK’s 4G network and metro stations where mobile coverage can be difficult to obtain. 3UK has experienced significant month-on-month growth of the service since first deployed in 2014, with a high percentage of recurring users, helping 3UK to increase its value to subscribers and reduce churn especially among commuters.
3UK, which had no Wi-Fi capabilities prior to the launch, built its Wi-Fi service from the ground-up using the Aptilo Managed Service through an existing Wi-Fi access network deployed across the London Underground by Virgin Media. Mobile users in the Underground stations are able to register for service using a customized web portal integrated with 3UK’s my3 customer care portal. Once registered, the Aptilo Wi-Fi service management solution remembers users and provides returning users with a seamless, automatic login.
Frederic Servat, Regional Account Director, EMEA, Aptilo Networks
For 3UK this is a clear win-win; they reduce costs by deploying through a third-party network and are able to provide a Wi-Fi service which is fully integrated with existing mobile data services.
