Free WiFi on maxi taxis soon

Pretty soon, finding a free WiFi signal could be as easy as choosing to travel in a maxi taxi.

That’s because the Association of Maxi Taxis of Trinidad and Tobago (AMTTT) and the Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (TSTT) are in talks to provide WiFi to maxi taxi customers.

This was announced by TSTT’s Chief Commercial Officer, Miguel Garcia, at the launch of Huawei’s Mate 9 smartphone, which took place during the “CONNECT @ bmobile Tech Expo” at Hyatt Regency, Portof- Spain on Wednesday last.

“Last week we started an initiative with the AMTTT, which represents all of the transport routes in the country.

We are providing them with special 4G modems, at very special rates, that will enable them to offer their 300,000-plus commuters free WiFi.” Speaking with Newsday after the launch, Garcia expressed hope that “in the next couple of weeks”, free WiFi will be available on all AMTTT maxis.

Newsday asked if TSTT plans to sign similar deals with other transportation associations, to which Garcia replied, “Yes we are.” “We’re talking to a bunch of taxis and also some other organisations.

I don’t want to reveal (which ones) because it’s not been finalised yet but yes, we are in the process of doing that. The idea is that when anyone in TT gets on some sort of transportation, they can get WiFi too,” Garcia explained.

AMTTT Vice-President, Linus Phillip, told Newsday said some maxi taxis began offering the service this past Monday, having “collected their 4G modems over the weekend.” Asked about the special rates, Phillip said participating AMTTT members “paid $200 plus VAT (Value-Added Tax), which is an excellent price. The normal price is about $350.” Describing the arrangement as a good opportunity, Phillip said he expects most AMTTT members to sign up in the coming weeks.