Approval for the formation of the WirelessCo, which will run an open access network, has been received from the South African Competition Commission.

WirelessCo will be owned by Internet Solutions parent company Dimension Data (51%) and MultiChoice (49%) respectively, and the company will build and operate an open access carrier-grade WiFi network.

WirelessCo combines the WiFi network assets of WiFi provider AlwaysOn, owned by Internet Solutions, together with the WiFi assets of MWeb WiFi.

The new company will comprise of employees from MWeb WiFi, as well as AlwaysOn employees who manage the AlwaysOn network.

“WiFi is fast becoming the preferred and most cost effective alternative to traditional data communications in a mobile environment, and WirelessCo will enable the accelerated roll out of a WiFi network that will ensure more and more South African’s can access the Internet affordably,” says Saki Missaikos, MD of Internet Solutions.

“Business and individuals will benefit from a ubiquitous WiFi network across South Africa and we are looking forward to the challenge of building the largest open-access carrier grade WiFi network across the country,” he adds.