Optus, Uber team up to trial in-car Wi-Fi

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news Optus has inked a deal with ride-sharing firm Uber that will see the two firms trial in-car Wi-Fi, as well as introduce Uber as a business travel resource for Optus employees.

The in-car Wi-Fi trial using the Optus 4G Plus network will initially be rolled out to 100 Uber vehicles across Sydney and Melbourne, and is aimed to help people “stay connected” without using up their personal mobile data quotas.

Optus’s in-car Wi-Fi system can connect up to 10 devices at the same time, allowing all passengers to concurrently access the Internet.

The telco is kicking off the partnership with an exclusive offer for the Wi-Fi service to Uber drivers, it said.

Calling the partnership “a great opportunity”, Steve Long, Director of Local Markets at Optus said: “Uber has fundamentally changed the way we think about getting from point A to point B, and for us this is an opportunity to create a truly connected experience for drivers and riders by using our superfast 4G Plus Network.”

“Recognising that online access is a critical component of the Uber experience, we are offering exclusive offers to both drivers and passengers to access the fast and reliable Optus Network while they are in transit,” he said.

Brent Annells, Uber’s Head of Business ANZ, said the partnership would yield “significant benefits” for both companies.

“Optus has truly embraced the benefits of ridesharing today by enabling their employees to access safe and reliable rides at the touch of a button, while Optus’ deal for driver-partners will help make Uber the best and most efficient platform for partners to earn a flexible income,” he said.

The two companies have previously teamed up on the ‘UberUMPIRE’ campaign on Australia Day 2016. The one-off promotion saw noted cricket umpire Billy Bowden and his team of umpires officiate backyard cricket matches across the nation.

Image credit: Optus