Ruckus Networks announced that it is providing its virtual SmartZone controllers and certified indoor/outdoor Wi-Fi access points in the expansion of a Facebook-led partner program aimed at building public Wi-Fi across Africa, India, and Indonesia.
The partner program is part of an expansion of Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi initiative, which is seeks to connect more individuals across the globe to the internet. Under Express Wi-Fi, local business owners install Wi-Fi hotspots, with high-speed internet services provided by local ISPs, mobile network operators and other Facebook broadband service partners.
The new vendor-focused partner programd within Express Wi-Fi not only initially includes Arris’ Ruckus Wireless unit, but also Arista, Cambium Networks--access point manufactures are being brought in to build Express Wi-Fi devices.
"We are committed to providing connectivity to people in the most remote areas of the world," said Ian Whiting, president of Ruckus Networks, in a statement. "We are excited to be a partner in Facebook's Express Wi-Fi Certified program, which is another important step in bridging the digital divide, giving individuals access to high-performance Wi-Fi networks. Ruckus strives to connect the unconnected, and we look forward to an ongoing partnership with Facebook.”
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The Ruckus products featured in the Express Wi-Fi deployment include the company’s adaptive antenna BeamFlex technology. The patented technique aims to increase connection quality and range, delivering better voice and data communication and significantly improving power efficiency.
"Express Wi-Fi is part of Facebook's initiative to help bring more people online globally," said Guy Mordecai, Facebook’s product lead for Express Wi-Fi. "We're excited to launch the Express Wi-Fi Certified program and have Ruckus as one of our initial partners. With this program, we hope to expand the Express Wi-Fi ecosystem and work with partners like Ruckus to help bring affordable Wi-Fi solutions to emerging markets."
