South African open access WiFi network provider VAST Networks has partnered WiFi monitoring local startup Cape to improve performance of its WiFi service across the country.
Launched in 2015 as Asimmetric, and rebranded last year, Cape rolled out its all-new WiFi network and application quality monitoring tool in November. The Cape Sensor monitors WiFi network and application performance 24/7 by behaving like a real user and reporting issues in real-time before users complain. Network providers can access information via an easy-to-use cloud-based Dashboard.
VAST Networks today announced it will install Cape Sensors across hundreds of its WiFi locations around South Africa; including at airports, shopping malls, hotels, hospitals, restaurants and offices.
VAST Networks claims to be South Africa’s first open access and leading Wi-Fi provider, and was formed in 2015 through the bringing together of the WiFi assets of MWeb and Internet Solutions.
“Cape’s Sensors and Dashboard show us exactly how end-users are experiencing our network,” says Khetan Gajjar, chief technology officer (CTO) at VAST Networks.
“Providing high-quality Wi-Fi to our venues, service provider partners, and end-users is our top priority and we want to ensure that they consistently receive unparalleled speeds and services,” he says.
“Cape has already helped us to identify and troubleshoot issues with our Wi-Fi performance and captive portals, increase efficiencies by reducing site visits, and hold our vendors to a higher standard.”
Cape has had a busy ride since launching two years ago. In September of the same year, the startup was selected to join the San Francisco-based hardware accelerator Highway1, becoming the first South African company selected to join the renowned 16-week programme.
As a result of its participation, Cape raised a seven-figure dollar funding round from VC firms Root Ventures, Bolt and Haystack; allowing it to take on new engineers and launch operations in San Francisco.
Cape was named one of Disrupt Africa’s 12 African startups to watch in 2017.
