Google’s Fast, Free WiFi—Now in Nigeria

I was standing in front of the popular “Banex Plaza” in Abuja, holding my phone up and waving it lazily around. I’d come to test it out for myself. As you would imagine, I was quite skeptical. If Google brought free WIFI to Nigeria, no way it was still functioning almost 6 months later. Fast forward 10 minutes and guess who’s finally clicking “update all” on the App Store. On connecting to Google’s WIFI hosted by BCN (Backbone Connectivity Network), I was redirected to a login page where a code was sent to the number I provided. And that was it!

Google Station

Sooner than we can imagine, Access to the Internet would be as free as the information on it. And that’s exactly what Google aims to achieve with Google Station—Their attempt at providing free, super fast internet access for millions of users across various countries. In partnership with companies, setups, and even network providers, Public hotspots would be set-up, open to the general public.

This service launched in only a handful of countries (India, Thailand, Mexico, and Indonesia) since its launch in 2012. Luckily, Nigeria was added to the beneficiaries last year. Starting with select locations in Lagos like Landmark Centre, The Palms Mall, Ikeja Mall, and Murtala Muhammed Airport. On successful launch, Google Station is now present in Abuja as well. With future plans for other major cities. Here in the nation’s capital, Wuse Market and Banex Plaza were undoubtedly the best places to kick such a project off.

It’s pretty simple to connect to Google Station.

• Head to the closest location from the above mentioned
• Search for a WiFi connection containing the keywords “Google Station” “BCN” —It would be an open WiFi network.

• Connect and wait for a redirection. You’d be asked to provide your mobile number and a code will be sent to you.
• Fill in that code and enjoy.

While not lightning fast, Google’s WiFi sure beat any of our current 3G speeds. I would say it’s on par with the LTE speeds we get from our local network service providers. And that’s with what, a 100+ people connected? If you don’t know it already, “Banex Plaza” is the hubspot of everything Tech in the FCT. A WiFi connection that could serve all those Tech-Savvy people and still maintain above average speeds is an Accolade-deserving effort. Being able to keep it up for half a year however, is absolutely Fantastic.