Telus, Yellow Cab team up to offer free Wi-Fi in Vancouver taxis
Vancouver will be the first city in Canada to have free Wi-Fi in taxis
Hail a taxi in Vancouver and you'll get free Wi-Fi, thanks to a new deal between Telus and Yellow Cab.
In the coming weeks Yellow Cab's 350 taxis will have the Telus logo on them, indicating free Wi-Fi inside.
"Whether people are jumping in a taxi for a quick trip or a long ride, it's the perfect time to catch up on email, post a selfie, stream some new music or video conference with a friend," said Anne-Marie LaBerge, Telus vice president, bank and marketing communications.
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This is the first time free Wi-Fi will be offered in taxis in Canada. The service will be free regardless of your mobile or internet provider. And the idea is to make it as easy as possible for users, so no passwords or private information will be required.
If you're taking a taxi you'll get a splash page asking you to click yes for the free network and will be instantly connected. Once you leave the taxi your device will seamlessly transition back onto your own data plan.
Kulwant Sahota, president of Yellow Cab, said he was excited about the arrangement.
"This new technology will have no impact on taxi fares," Sahota said.
The Wi-Fi service in taxis will be powered by the Telus network and technology from Vancouver-based Colony Networks.
The one-year program will be extended if it's successful.