Sports Technology & Communications News from Around the World

As passions run high and World Cup fever spreads, fans are readying themselves for yet another spectacular display of skill and prowess from the 32 teams that will come from all parts of the globe. But they’re not the only ones that are busy. Behind the scenes, three operators in Brazil are working with Aptilo Networks (News - Alert) to enhance the Wi-Fi experience for the millions of users that are expected to attend.

"Brazil will be host to some of the most exciting, highly anticipated sporting events, and Aptilo will be working with operators to leverage these opportunities, manage data traffic and ensure a great Wi-Fi user experience," noted Jonas Jacobsson, vice president, Sales Americas, Aptilo Networks.

Aptilo’s service management platform (SMP) will enable Wi-Fi offloading and carrier Wi-Fi throughout the country and in Maracanã Stadium - the venue for the World Cup Final.

With millions of smartphones and mobile devices expected to be in attendance and fan expectations running high, TIM Brasil and Oi, two of the largest mobile operators in Brazil, will use Aptilo SMP to offload users from their mobile data networks to a carrier-class Wi-Fi network.  Linktel, which operates the largest independent network of hotspots in Brazil, will use it to manage mobile data services across its network of Wi-Fi hotspots across 2,300 access points.

Mobile operators can reach out to guests and fans in a unique and memorable way, while exploring other revenue generating opportunities.

“With Aptilo SMP, operators can create custom-branded Wi-Fi portals for site- and event-specific advertising and marketing initiatives,” said Jacobsson.

Also, Aptilo’s SIM Authentication will authenticate users via the SIM card in their mobile devices. Together with the company’s SMP platform, users will be able to enjoy a faster, secure, "invisible" handoff from 3G to Wi-Fi, giving fans a ‘never-before’ user experience.

Aptilo claims that it is one of the very few vendors in the market that can offer systems for building a carrier-class Wi-Fi service with SIM-authentication, making mobile data offloading a reality. Goldman Sachs rates host nation Brazil as the heavy favorite for the FIFA trophy – Can Aptilo follow suit and pull off a similar victory?