After offering auto connect WiFi to cabs, homegrown cab-hailing giant Ola has started offering WiFi connectivity in auto-rickshaw to riders. Riders can connect their devices soon after trip begins. First-time users require authenticating via one-time password while any device that is connected once, will automatically connect again.
The WiFi network is shut down once the ride ends. The service will help auto-rickshaw drivers as well as riders to navigate across 73 cities through mobile phones.
Ola had started WiFi service for its prime customers in March 2016 and later introduced it to other categories including Mini, Lux and Micro. The Softbank-funded unicorn is also mulling to launch Ola Instant. The service will weed-out the pain of unavailability of cabs and wait time.
The Bengaluru-based company had introduced auto in 2014, and currently, claims to have a fleet of 1.2 lakh auto. Earlier, Ola had launched several features like Ola Play, auto rickshaw rides, and SMS-based booking to get an edge over arch-rival Uber in India.
“We have already disrupted the transportation sector by bringing one of the most traditional means of commute online for commuters and driver partners. With Auto-Connect Wifi, we are reinventing the 3-wheelers and enabling a connected experience for our customers,” said Siddharth Agrawal, Category Head, Ola Auto.
Beefing up its in-can entertainment service, the company had expanded its infotainment platform Ola Play to more than 50,000 Prime Play cabs in July this year. Ola Play offers movies, music and radio over a tablet fitted behind the driver’s seat.
The company is also planning to invest heavily in electric vehicle project to grow the vertical alongside its cab booking service.
Earlier this month, the cab behemoth closed $1.1 billion in a financing round by China’s Tencent Holdings and existing investor SoftBank. It’s also in advanced talks with existing as well other investors to close an additional $1 billion as part of the aforementioned financing round.
