Houses and sidewalk platforms in Leticia, Colombia. Photo: Wikimedia.

Hughes Network Systems partnered with Facebook to launch Wi-Fi hotspots in Colombia, supported by the Facebook Express Wi-Fi software platform. Service providers and telecommunications integrators in Colombia can join Hughes to help enable local merchants to offer high-speed internet access to their customers on a prepaid basis anywhere in Colombia – even in the most remote and rural places — employing a Hughes satellite Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) and Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi software platform.

Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi is a software platform that aims to help service providers build, operate, grow and monetize their Wi-Fi business in a sustainable and scalable way. Facebook partners with service providers and operators who expand the provision of fast, affordable and reliable access to the internet over Wi-Fi supported by the Express Wi-Fi platform.

“This combined Hughes and Facebook Wi-Fi solution makes it possible for small businesses in Colombia to monetize their own hotspots virtually anywhere, especially in places unserved or underserved by affordable Internet access,” said Vinay Patel, senior director, International Division at Hughes. “We look forward to forging new relationships with service providers and integrators who want to join Hughes in supporting local communities throughout Colombia.”