Linktel Corporate, a Brazilian telecommunications operator, has just signed a partnership with Orla Rio to deploy a Wi-Fi network to offer internet access on the Rio de Janeiro beaches. The project, “Orla Rio Digital,” will provide free Wi-Fi for the local population and tourists. This service takes place as part of the preparation for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. By the end of 2012, the service will be available in Leme and Copacabana beaches. In 2013, it will be extended to Leblon, Ipanema, São Conrado and some parts of Barra da Tijuca.

“To ensure full time access, complete redundancy, control content and control access we are now preparing for the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. As millions of tourists come to Rio de Janeiro for these sporting events, clients/users of services such as Boingo, iPass, Trustive, Swisscom and Skype, will enjoy their easy experience of connecting to the Internet. The Wi-Fi service offered by Linktel has a similar technology used at international airports such as Heathrow, (London) and JFK (New York),” said José Antonio Ferreira Pinto, New Business Director at Linktel.

The foreign tourists also will use the service in roaming Linktel through international agreements with the major Wi-Fi operators from around the world. “Users will access their e-mails and social communities. All paying Skype customers will be able to use their credits via Wi-Fi to talk to their friends and business partners from around the world,” added Pinto.

Luis Antonio Abreu, Vice President of Orla Rio, commented: “In coming years the Wi-Fi Linktel services will be available from Leme to Prainha. By the end of 2012, this service will be available in Leme and Copacabana. In 2013, it will be available for Arpoador, Leblon, Ipanema, São Conrado and some part of Barra da Tijuca. Then, it will be deployed on other beaches.”

Linktel is a second largest Wi-Fi operator in Brazil, member of Wi-Fi Alliance (http://www.wi-fi.org), with more hotspots than several countries in Latin America. To see all hotposts of Linktel in Brazil, visit http://bit.ly/ccMjdX

Press contact:

http://www.orlario.com.br

http://www.linktelcorp.com