#Japan #FiberGate #Kumamoto #Kumamoto Electric Railway #WIFI BUS

Kumamoto Electric Railway to Implement Free Wi-Fi Service on All Buses

The Kumamoto Electric Railway Co., Ltd. has recently announced its plan to implement a free Wi-Fi service called "Wi-Fi BUS®" on all its charter and route buses by April 2025. This initiative marks the first comprehensive Wi-Fi installation on all buses within Kumamoto Prefecture, significantly improving the connectivity and convenience for its passengers.

Background of the Initiative

Founded in 1923, Kumamoto Electric Railway has played a vital role in supporting the daily lives of residents in the central and northern regions of Kumamoto Prefecture through its comprehensive rail and bus services. In preparation for this extensive Wi-Fi rollout, the company partnered with Fibergate Inc., conducting a two-month trial of the free Wi-Fi service from February to March 2025. The trial aimed to enhance the commuting experience while recognizing the demand for such services.

During the trial, passengers were asked to provide feedback through a survey. The positive responses and high appreciation for the service confirmed the need for a permanent free Wi-Fi offering. Consequently, the railway company made the decision to equip 23 charter buses and 80 route buses with the Wi-Fi infrastructure, totaling 103 vehicles.

Survey Highlights

The feedback collected during the trial yielded several insights from passengers on how the Wi-Fi service improved their travel experiences:

1. Enhanced Learning and Engagement: Passengers utilized their smartphones for studying, watching videos for exam preparation, and participating in online training sessions during their travels.
2. Increased Comfort: The service alleviated anxiety about data limits and made commuting more enjoyable, leading to a preference for choosing Kumamoto Electric Railway buses.
3. Positive Feedback on Connection Quality: Many respondents noted the fast speed and ease of connection, enhancing their overall satisfaction during longer commutes.

However, passengers also provided constructive feedback regarding occasional connection issues, which the company plans to address before the official rollout.

Implementation Details

Service Overview

• - Deployment: Free Wi-Fi will be available on 23 charter buses and 80 route buses, totaling 103 units.
• - Launch Date: April 1, 2025.
• - Service Offered: Complimentary Wi-Fi on board, powered by Fibergate's "Wi-Fi BUS®" technology.
• - Connection Device: The connection will be facilitated through a Wi-FiBOX.

Connection Steps

1. Select the SSID "KUMADEN Wi-Fi" (no password required).
2. Agree to the displayed terms and conditions (redirect screen).
3. Complete the simple authentication process to connect.

Information brochures and instructions for connecting to the service will be available on the buses.

Future Enhancements

Kumamoto Electric Railway and Fibergate are committed to continually improving the Wi-Fi experience based on the feedback received. They plan to evaluate factors such as the positioning of Wi-Fi equipment to provide better coverage and reliability. Furthermore, Fibergate aims to facilitate enhanced access to digital resources and help bridge the digital divide in the local community, contributing to sustained regional development and a brighter future.

For more information about Kumamoto Electric Railway, visit their website.

To learn more about Fibergate, check here.