Optus and Uber team up for in-car 4G Wi-Fi
Optus has announced a partnership with Uber that will see Optus 4G Wi-Fi offered to Uber drivers and passengers.
If you’re looking for the company that is most strongly identified with the sharing economy, that company has to be Uber. It’s not without its controversies surrounding potential rider safety and driver remuneration, but if you’re an Uber convert, you’re unlikely to go back. Our own analysis of comparable Uber fares in Australia certainly suggests you can save a few dollars that way.
You may soon be able to save a tidy chunk on your mobile data bill as well, with Optus announcing a partnership deal with Uber that will see 100 trial vehicles in Sydney and Melbourne fitted with Optus 4G hotspots capable of supporting up to ten devices at once; that suggests a car slightly larger than most typical Uber vehicles.
Optus also suggests that it will offer a "range of experiences and exclusive offers" to Uber passengers and drivers along the way.
The deal will also extend to a special offer for Uber drivers, most presumably a cheap data plan to provide in-car Wi-Fi to passengers on the go as well as contact with Uber itself for sourcing passengers while working.
If you happen to be an Optus employee, Uber will also apparently become a business travel resource, although it’s not clear if that’s an exclusive deal, or simply an option now open to higher level Optus employees.
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