South African business travellers heading abroad can now work securely wherever they want, without having to worry about exhoribant data charges.
The PocketWiFi device from execMobile has, in only one year, saved its customers more than R10-million.
“The technology behind the new PocketWiFi has undergone a metamorphosis based on 14 months of customer feedback,” says Craig Lowe, founder at execMobile. “The key for our customers is not the disruptive technology, but simply that our service is now more convenient than ever before.”
Research by execMobile shows that the average data usage rate per individual was 146Mb per day when using the Unlimited service. Based on this research and predicted future trends, execMobile’s new Webbing PocketWiFi service is available from R199 per day, which includes a 300Mb data bundle. This means that users can now connect up to five WiFi-enabled devices simultaneously from as little as 66c per Mb when roaming.
The primary benefits are increased coverage (127 countries, up from 110), decreased daily rates, improved internet connection quality, longer battery life, and the ability to use the device in South Africa at local rates.
In the near future, customers will also be able to profile their internet connection and apply company policies, limiting or preventing access to certain websites, on a per-device basis. execMobile is also working with Cape Town-based company, Flickswitch, to add bespoke destinations not included in the 127 countries listed.
For South African companies looking to expand into Africa, the coverage already includes 21 African and Middle East destinations, including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, DRC, the UAE and Saudi Arabia..
The roaming data coverage and pricing model has been made possible by execMobile’s partnership with Webbing, an Israeli technology company. The standard ZTE MF60 wireless router has been modified to no longer utilise multiple IMSI (international mobile subscriber identity) technology on a single roaming SIM, but rather multiple SIMs and machine-to-machine connections.
“The PocketWiFi is monitored and managed by a control SIM, which automatically selects the most efficient mobile network to connect to in the destination country. The device retains its incredibly simple WiFi interface and requires no setup from the user; simply switch it on and it’s ready to connect,” Lowe says
“When travelling overseas, the need to remain connected is becoming increasingly important. This is especially true for business travellers whose companies support a mobile workforce or have moved their services into the cloud. This is really where PocketWiFi comes into its own, allowing travellers to better manage their data connectivity and charges effortlessly while abroad,” he adds.
