We have heard about how Google plans to eventually allow everyone around the world to connect to the internet, and to kick things off, Google has launched Google WiFi Passport over in Jakarta, Indonesia. This WiFi service is a result of a partnership between Google and MOGPlay where the goal is to offer up WiFi hotspots that have been scattered around the city, allowing those without data plans to connect to the internet for free or for an extremely affordable rate. Given that sometimes carriers do charge a fair bit for data, offering up a cheap alternative could be an attractive option, although the downside would be that for now, those living outside the city might not be able to access it.
The WiFi will be accessible through the WiFi Passport app and vouchers will be offered and give users 10 days of free access, after which additional vouchers can be bought. For example a 20 day voucher will cost around $2, while a 50 day voucher will go for $5 which is admittedly extremely attractive in terms of pricing. As it stands Google WiFi Passport is available only in Jakarta but there is no word if Google plans to take this program to other markets. Thailand has a similar service where local carrier, True, allows their subscribers to connect to various hotspots located throughout the country, giving them the option to hop onto a WiFi hotspot or use their mobile internet, depending on preference and coverage.
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