Queen Baloyi
The City of Johannesburg’s ambitious plan to expand free public Wi-Fi has reached a pivotal milestone, with 25 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations now fully integrated into the CoJ Wi-Fi network. This rollout marks a significant step towards making universal internet access a reality for residents, with more public sites set to go live in the coming months.
As part of this initiative, the City is moving towards a unified Wi-Fi network by introducing a universal Service Set Identifier (SSID) across all locations. This means that CoJ facilities, Wits University, BRT stations, Metrobus hubs, and other municipal spaces will now operate under the same Wi-Fi name — “Joburg Free Wi-Fi” —eliminating the need for users to switch between different networks.
The transition to a single SSID is a critical development in Joburg’s Smart City vision, enhancing accessibility and ensuring a seamless user experience across the City’s digital infrastructure.
“Integrating all municipal Wi-Fi networks under Joburg Free Wi-Fi is a significant leap forward in providing uninterrupted connectivity for residents,” says Aubrey Mochela, Group Chief Technology Officer. “This initiative will simplify access, improve efficiency, and contribute to a more inclusive digital economy.”
Once fully implemented, the universal SSID will mean that residents, students, and business professionals will no longer have to reconnect when moving between Wi-Fi-enabled locations, ensuring an unbroken digital experience throughout Joburg’s public spaces.
Mochela says the City remains committed to expanding digital inclusivity by broadening the reach of its free Wi-Fi service. Beyond BRT stations, the initiative will extend coverage to additional public transport nodes, community centres, libraries, and government offices. The long-term objective is to establish a citywide, high-speed public Wi-Fi network that caters to the needs of all residents of Johannesburg.
“We are focused on extending connectivity to as many public spaces as possible while ensuring a stable and secure digital environment,” Mochela adds. “The integration of multiple government entity networks into a single, cohesive system is an essential component of this transformation.”
The city has committed to keeping the public informed with regular updates regarding new access points and expansion timelines.
Despite the rapid progress, the rollout of Joburg Free Wi-Fi has encountered some infrastructural challenges, particularly vandalised stations and sites lacking consistent electricity supply.
“There has been notable success in activating Wi-Fi across BRT stations,” notes Neani Mulaudzi, General Manager of Network Operations at the Metropolitan Trading Company (MTC). “However, challenges such as theft of infrastructure and prolonged power outages remain hurdles beyond our control. We urge the community to protect these facilities, as they are designed to benefit all residents.”
Community participation is key to ensuring the sustainability of this project. Residents are encouraged to report incidents of vandalism and support the initiative by advocating for its responsible use.
The rollout of free Wi-Fi forms part of the City of Johannesburg’s broader Smart City Strategy, aimed at positioning the metropolitan municipality as a leader in digital transformation. By bridging the digital divide, the City seeks to empower residents with greater connectivity, improve access to online learning and business opportunities, and drive economic participation.
“The integration of Joburg Free Wi-Fi into everyday commuting and public services demonstrates the City’s commitment to promoting an inclusive digital economy,” says Cllr Kenny Kunene, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport.
Kunene highlights that the cost of mobile data remains prohibitively high for many South Africans. “This initiative provides a lifeline for students, job seekers, and small businesses, allowing them to access essential online services without financial barriers,” he adds.
The Joburg Free Wi-Fi expansion will be rolled out in phases, with MTC closely monitoring usage trends and making incremental improvements. The City has assured residents that future enhancements will include increased bandwidth capacity to support faster connections; improved security protocols to protect user data and extended coverage areas, bringing free Wi-Fi to all underserved communities.
A formal launch event will be held upon full implementation, attended by Cllr Kenny Kunene, senior officials from MTC, the Transport Department, and BRT executives. The City encourages residents to stay informed and participate in shaping Joburg’s digital future.
SOURCED FROM THE JOBURG WEBSITE.
