Your next UberX could have free Wi-Fi thanks to new deal
If you're planning on hailing an UberX in Sydney or Melbourne in Australia this week, your ride could get a little boost thanks to free Wi-Fi and a super-fast mobile charger.
In partnership with Australian telecommunications company Optus, Uber will soon trial 4G Wi-Fi in 100 UberX vehicles in the two cities, it was announced Wednesday.
According to an online statement, Optus' Wi-Fi will allow up to 10 devices to be connected in the vehicle at one time, meaning you and all your friends should have plenty of selfie bandwidth.
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"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," Steve Long, director of local markets at Optus, said in the statement.
The trial is currently being implemented, an Optus spokesperson confirmed to Mashable Australia. Once a driver has set up an Optus 4G Car WiFi Kit, riders will be able to connect to the Wi-Fi network by obtaining the name and password, if required, from the driver.
The deal also aims to get Uber drivers on board with the telco. Optus will offer Uber drivers exclusive mobile phone deals, including SIM-only and handset-included plans. It does not matter which mobile phone provider the passenger is using.
"Optus' two new exclusive deals for driver-partners, offers them discounted mobile phone and data plans that will deliver significant value, reduce operating costs and enhance their experience with the Uber platform," Brent Annells, business director of Australia and New Zealand for Uber, said in an emailed statement.
While UberX has been legalised in New South Wales and a number of other Australian states and territories, the service remains illegal in the state of Victoria where the Melbourne deal will be offered. Maybe Uber hopes you'll use all that free Wi-Fi to lobby the state government?
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Topics Uber
Ariel Bogle was an associate editor with Mashable in Australia covering technology. Previously, Ariel was associate editor at Future Tense in Washington DC, an editorial initiative between Slate and New America.
