Getting online isn’t always the easiest thing even when you happen to be in some of the largest and most technologically advanced cities in the world, so it’s no great surprise that getting a good cellular data connection in Jakarta, Indonesia isn’t a walk in the park. Thankfully, that’s where Wi-Fi comes in.
Now it seems that the bastion of all things internet based, Google, is working on making Wi-Fi internet access an easier thing to obtain in the absence of a cellular solution. Exclusive to Android devices running version 2.2 and beyond, Wi-Fi Passport is free in the Google Play Store and is just what the doctor ordered.
By teaming up with MOGPlay, Google has set up a range of hotspots across Jakarta that can be accessed by buying a plan via the Wi-Fi Passport app. There’s even a free option, should that be what you’re looking for. In fact, users can get 10 days-worth of connectivity for the price of absolutely nothing.
Beyond that free option, Android owners can stump up 20,000 IDR (below $2) for 20 days and 50,000 IDR (less than $5) for 50 days of access, which can’t be bad at all.
We’re sure this would be popular anywhere, but developing countries in particular would certainly benefit from having reliable Wi-Fi on tap. Currently though it seems Google only has eyes for Jakarta as part of this limited testing period.
This isn’t the first time that Google has moved to get more people online more easily. In the United States Google offers Fiber internet access if you happen to live in the right area, and it was even bidding on cellular spectrum at one point.
Much like the move to launch Android, Google sees getting more people online as a way of increasing its potential customer base. After all, for all its mobile phones, search engines and self-driving cars, Google’s big business is ads and getting people online to see them has got to be good for business.
You can grab the Wi-Fi Passport app for Android from the link which we’ve embedded below.
(Download: WiFi Passport for Android on the Play Store)
Make sure to check out our Android Apps gallery to explore more apps for your Android device.
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