The demand for connectivity is higher than ever, and providers struggle to keep up. An impressive number of users depend on mobile networks, which generally deliver a frustrating experience. Veniam, a Portuguese company based in California, aims to roll out its NetRider system using taxis, buses, and municipal trucks as WiFi access points.
While some countries have begun disabling 2G and 3G networks because they are "obsolete", there are others where it is almost impossible to receive an email in a timely manner. This performance gap leaves users on the brink of a crisis, as they pay for a deficient service. The massive presence of smartphones and tablets has established new parameters that providers cannot or do not want to meet. And that is when WiFi appears, a mix between a savior and a necessary evil. Users are forced to visit bars, stores, shopping malls, and other establishments in search of an open and functional network.
NetRider: The World's Largest Vehicular WiFi Network
However, this situation could change soon. Instead of going to look for a WiFi signal, the WiFi signal could come to the user with the help of the NetRider system, developed by the Portuguese company Veniam. The city of Porto was chosen to deploy NetRider and create the world's largest vehicular WiFi network, transforming 600 vehicles (distributed among taxis, buses, and garbage collection trucks) into access points. With a different configuration, NetRider can operate statically like any other router, but it is the mobile aspect of the WiFi network that draws the most attention. Veniam's network provides connectivity to more than 70,000 people per month, at no charge.
Data Collection for City Planning
Another interesting aspect is that the NetRider system is not limited to providing access; it also collects valuable information for planning public works and other city projects. For example, if several taxis encounter a pothole on a specific street, the sensors can transmit information to the municipality to determine its location.
Funding and Expansion
Veniam received nearly five million dollars in funding, which indicates very strong support for its vehicular WiFi system. The next step is to expand the service to other cities, starting with San Francisco, New York, and Austin.
