Mobile operator Telenor provides free wifi for migrants

Mobile operator Telenor provides free wifi for migrants

“At Telenor, we believe that access to the Internet is a fundamental right of every person. Mobile connectivity is becoming increasingly important in people’s lives, and it enables an across-the-board social inclusion - especially when it comes to vulnerable groups. We hope that these free Wi-Fi hot spots at the two busiest migrant locations will help them get connected with their friends and family or to make further arrangements in their search for a better life. I hope our initiative will inspire other companies to help them as much as their abilities allow,” says Ove Fredheim, CEO of Telenor Serbia. Telenor’s equipment at the free Wi-Fi hot spots supports simultaneous connections by multiple users. Using their phones, tablets, and other smart devices, the migrants can connect to the open wireless network (SSID: Telenor Internet), which provides them with efficient and safe data transfer. This initiative was facilitated in cooperation with the B92 Fund.

“Thanks to Telenor’s quick response, over 1,000 migrants, spending usually 2-5 days in Belgrade around the Central Bus Station will now have free online access to important information that will alleviate their stay in Belgrade. Soon a special page will be activated that opens automatically on any device when it connects to any of Telenor’s free Wi-Fi hot spots, with special information of importance for migrants in Belgrade” says Veran Matić, Chairman of the B92 Fund Managing Board. By helping people get connected, Telenor empowers them stay in touch, be informed, and improve their lives, which reflects the essence of our Internet for All ambition in furthering the development of digital societies, the statement said.

Telenor Serbia (www.telenor.rs) is part of Telenor Group, one of the largest mobile operators in the world with 192 million subscribers on 13 markets. Telenor is the largest single investor in Serbia with an initial investment of EUR 1.53 billion. With 3.1 million customers, Telenor Serbia helps people use all the benefits of modern communications. This company has 119 stores in 84 cities and employs around 1,000 people, whereas Smart Network covers over 85 percent of the population.