Google announced a deal with O-Zone Networks, which provides unlimited wi-fi access to Google+ India users.This deals aims to increase the usage of Google+ in India and encourage mobile internet usage while away from work and home.
O-Zone Networks is a prominent public Wi-Fi Provider Networks in India, it has 5,000 Wi-Fi access points across India, which includes coverage at selects outlets of Café Coffee Day, McDonalds, Café Oz, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, Costa Coffee, Subway and OM Bookshop, where the users can enjoy free WiFi access offer by Google.
When & Which websites will be Free ?
According to Business Standard, this offer will go live this weekend and be available for three months across India at all O-Zone Wi-Fi hotspots.During this offer, O-Zone will allow unlimited usage of Google+, 10 minutes of free access to YouTube per week and for accessing other websites users have to pay for minutes. Although the tie-up is for three months, O-Zone is in talks with Google to make it a long-term contract.
This is a first-of-its kind promotional tie-up. This association between Google India and O-Zone Networks reinforces the fact that people are now realising the power of Wi-Fi,” said Sanjeev (Bobby) Sarin, CEO, O-Zone Networks.The company has seen an increase of 30 per cent month-on-month in usage.
“Wi-Fi will grow parallel with 3G and 4G. It has better speed in enclosed networks than 3G. More, as people start using video applications, telcos, too, will prefer to shift traffic to Wi-Fi networks,” said Sarin.
My View :
This deal reminds me of Facebook free mobile access with 0.facebook.com by collaborating with PAN India mobile operators and this free access provoked more Facebook usage in India. Although Google free WiFi access deal for Indian users sounds good, but if Google had tied up with Indian Mobile operators and offer free Google+ access, then I think it will be benefit for both Google & users.