If you have a WIFI enabled phone or computer in Nairobi, you probably have seen at one point or another over the last few months a network called Loopnet that offers free internet access. I had planned to write here about Loopnet over a month ago but they had not yet officially “launched” at the time (in fact, they don’t seem to have a web site yet although they are advertising in a certain supermarket chain). Loopnet is apparently being “powered” by Kenya Data Networks (KDN) from what I have heard.
I have used Loopnet on one occasion on Mombasa road but in most other locations in Nairobi it does not seem to work (strange?). However, when it does, its actually free internet access with one caveat – you get ads displayed at the top of your web browser. I think Loopnet is an excellent idea and it represents some innovation in terms of the traditional Internet Service Provider (ISP) business models of billing for usage on either an unlimited monthly basis or on a data capped basis.
My impression is that Loopnet is just getting started and they need to extend their service to many of Nairobi’s suburbs where Internet usage is bound to be very high. I also expect the service will largely appeal to the home user and not necessarily the business user who would want a reliable and fast Internet service, all the time.
I’m keen to see how many users Loopnet will have on their service once its fully operational in most of Nairobi (and the rest of Kenya?) as this would be key to attracting advertisers to sustain their services. In addition, as it always seems to be the case, other ISPs’ in the marketplace are bound to experiment with the ad-driven model for free Internet as well – so only time will tell how it fairs. Meanwhile, enjoy free Internet on Loopnet!
I’ve used the loopnet internet once, but i thought its one of those (unsecured) internet connections meaning they can tapped by anybody. Kumbe its actually free
Hi,
I have used the Loopnet service in Mombasa near South Coast(residential area), it takes a bit of time getting connected to the network (via Laptop)
however, when it does fall through, the speeds are incredible. I could watch YouTube vids without having to wait for half an hour for it to download completely.
Where else in Nairobi can we access this service?
S.
I am a visitor to Kenya and was fortunate in Nairobi to be using this FREE internet service. For free internet service, being a visitor, I am not too concerned about the ads at the top of the page. The speed is incredible and it did not take any time to log on. Thanks LOOPNET …Jesus Kid
Loopnet is real broadband. its the fastest connection I have used thus far. Accessed it from Oilibya, Karen
what are the speeds especially download?
I have used loopnet last year for months in KSM and the connection was good since Jan this year its unable to connect but I think this is because of KDN. The best think to do is when you get connected ensure you copy its TCP/IP setting cause they’ve change several times. Yes loopnet is powered by KDN.
Im on mombasa road and can get a signal but says limited or no connectivity.Does one require any settings to connect o loopnet?
Loopnet is the fastest internet i’ve ever used. I discovered it in august 2009 and used it upto january this year when it stopped connecting. I can no longer connect to it but am patiently waiting for it to get back to normal. It’s a brilliant idea, just like the idea of free-to-air TV we use; make more money through advertising instead of charging the customer.. I’m currently surfing for free with another free service i discovered after loopnet but i can’t compare the speeds…
how do i get loopnet?i need information onhow it works.
Hey, been trying to connect to loopnet in Ksm but in vain. I managed connection once but since then, things are different. Any special settings or who to contact about this?
I can see Loopnet in the list of wireless networks but cannot connect (Muthangari-Westlands, NBO).
Bob A´s last blog .."Thinking About It" Is All I’ll Do!
Amazing speed with LoopNet Internet
Imagine 800MB in 1Hr 40Min WOW.
Know how i got it mail to sushil_halai@yahoo.com
hi guyz thanx for the information, ive seen their ads in the bank halls but cant figure out what to bedone to be able to connect. would someone pliz show me.thanx in advance!
What are the tcp / ip setting for the loopnet
Davis, suggest you check with Loopnet directly on this one.
Hi guys, we (InternetAdMedia Network) have used, advertised and are reselling ad space on Loopnet so I might be able to answer a few of your questions:
1. Yes! Loopnet is 100% free to surf. It is, at the moment, fully ad-supported and solely depends on advertising revenue to keep it free, just like free-to-air TV.
2. Although initially available across the country, most of the nodes seem to have been disabled. Loopnet decided to target certain parts of Nairobi (mostly on the “right” side of the highway), maximise the number of users per node (their nodes have a capacity of six radios and 768 users per node) and then slowly expand coverage rather than having a couple of users per node spread out countrywide. Makes sense from a technical point of view but the jury’s still out on the marketing logic.
3. Yep, amazing speeds, but this fluctuates depending on the number of concurrent users downloading 24, Seasons 1-8
4. Having the IP settings won’t help you much if the nodes near you are disabled. Even if the nodes are enabled, the IPs seem to be location dependent. For example, I’m in Kilifi on holiday at the moment and the IPs I could use in Fedha, Nairobi, ain’t working (and yes, Loopnet were kind enough to enable the nodes I’m using in Kilifi at the moment).
Moses, hope that you don’t shut me down for what follows! It’s not a sales pitch, it’s really useful info (I hope…):
5. Moses’ advise to Davis is sound. The best way to get loopnet enabled in your area is to contact Loopnet and get them to set it up. HOWEVER, you may not get very far if you do this as an individual. Loopnet WON’T give you any IP addresses. That’s because they use a DHCP server to automatically assign IP addresses. And remember, they don’t want to enable nodes that only serve a couple of users. My suggestion is that you get as many people as possible interested in having Loopnet enabled in your area, contact US (they listen to us coz we adertise with them), and we’ll ask Loopnet to enable your nodes for you FREE OF CHARGE. Why would we do that? Because the more the users on Loopnet, the easier it is for us to resell ad space to advertisers targeting a large audience. Win-win-win.
Hope that helps. To contact us, click on my name to go to our website.
We need a stronger signal at ABC Place please.
It’s really fast on my iPhone. Service should extend to residential areas too
am using loopnet now on ngong road.am too amused that there is actually free internet but if the concept is like radio/tv then good stuff. i have only managed to connect today as the signal is usually low.
@ abdul..tell us more about it like which locations to get good signals and how safe is it.
@Jemimah.. There’s a plaza/mall on Ngong Road (can’t remember the name – it has a movie theater if that helps) which has great signal strengths and speeds. I’ll try and compile a comprehensive list later. In the meantime, I’ve asked Antony from Loopnet to post about this.
About the safety, it is an unsecured and unencrypted wireless network which means that it isn’t that secure. However, I wouldn’t worry too much about it unless I was transmitting state secrets. I’ve used it for online banking and payment transactions with no problems but that’s just me. If you are really concerned about the security of your data, then this might not be the best network to use.
Found it! Prestige Plaza on Ngong Road
Wish i could get some of this free signal in ruai.
I have noticed signals of loopnet on my laptop not it ain’t connecting even when the signals are strong. What could be matter?