Cincinnati Bell, Skyfii set Cincinnati on smart city path with Wi-Fi analytics agreement

Cincinnati Bell and Sydney, Australia-based Skyfii are teaming up to help Cincinnati businesses analyze how well the telco's free citywide Wi-Fi initiative is performing for them.

The telco has been offering its guest Wi-Fi service, "Light Up Cincinnati," for several months as it builds out its FTTH Fioptics network in the city. The service's goal is to connect residents, tourists and business through technology.

With the Skyfii deal, Cincinnati Bell is adding a new dimension to Light Up Cincinnati, one that benefits businesses in particular. The provider will integrate Skyfii analytics into its Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the city and offer businesses an app called "Connect Cincinnati," through which companies can market their services by making "exclusive and timely offers" to Wi-Fi guest users, according to a Skyfii release.

Cincinnati Bell will integrate Skyfii's services into its HPE Aruba Networks Wi-Fi access points later this year.

RELATED: Cincinnati Bell to pass 80K locations with FTTH by the end of 2016

This new pact builds on Cincinnati Bell’s already well established Wi-Fi presence.

Cincinnati Bell currently offers its Fioptics Free Wi-Fi service at hundreds of access points located around the city with more sites planned for next year. The telco also provides managed Wi-Fi services to businesses that use connectivity as a way to engage with their own customers.

“Our services, integrated with Cincinnati Bell’s Fioptics Free Wi-Fi offerings, will help provide a reliable marketing and communication platform for local events, advertising, and local businesses to promote their goods and services,” said Wayne Arthur, CEO of Skyfii, in a prepared statement.