Free WiFi system expands app user base, global reach

Shanghai Lantern Network Technology Co Ltd, a free WiFi access provider in Zhangjiang National Innovation Demonstration Zone, is ready to become a targeted information distribution platform operator with the support of big data technology.

"We are in the big data era and we will face big-data-related competition," said Chen Danian, founder and chief executive officer of Lantern Network.

"Our WiFi Master Key team will continue to explore the value of big data to provide more convenient and better services to small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals.

"We also hope to partner with more not-for-profit organizations to provide more support to people in difficulties," Chen added.

The company introduced its mobile app WiFi Master Key in 2012 to help users search all available free WiFi hotspots. It can generate a list of shared and secured hotspots, allowing users to make their own choice.

The mobile app had over 900 million registered users by June 29. Among these, 520 million are active monthly users, according to the company.

WiFi Master Key has become the third-largest app by number of users in China, only after Tencent Holdings Ltd's WeChat and QQ platforms.

The introduction of the iOS-based mobile app in January 2015 strongly boosted the overall number of users.

Over 20 million daily active users access the app through Apple Inc's iOS system.

Lantern Network also reported strong growth in overseas markets expansion since it launched its first overseas office in Singapore in 2015. WiFi Master Key ranked top of Google Inc's Google Play list in 49 countries, including Russia, Mexico and Thailand, in April 2016. Its services are used in 223 countries and regions.

Better use of data

The wide use of WiFi Master Key has provided enormous amount of data for Lantern Network.

The company said that it can process over 80 terabytes of data every day.

This has established a solid foundation for the company to transform from a free WiFi service provider into a mobile information distribution platform operator.

The company, which has more than 400 million hotspots in the world, can precisely identify clients' locations and provide premium, personalized services for individuals.

WiFi Master Key's advertising services were introduced at the end of July.

The service successfully helps small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals reduce costs and enhance the effect of their advertisements.

Small range, low barrier, low cost and life related are the four key concepts of WiFi Master Key's advertising services, according to the company. Users can share posts, with information such as pets wanted or personal goods for sale, on the platform.

Lantern Network estimates that the app can help companies lower their advertisement costs from 250 yuan ($36.3) per 1,000 people to 10 yuan.

The company has introduced a strict verifying mechanism to ensure that advertising content is authentic and legal.

Both smart checking technologies and manual checking procedures are applied in the verification process.

WiFi Master Key also has a feedback collection system and an advertisement content evaluation system to ensure quality. Advertisers may be permanently barred from using the platform if they are found to have abused the rules.

The app encourages individuals to join their network to build a sharing community, so more people can enjoy free WiFi.

The strategy has become a key factor supporting the company's rapid growth in the past few years.

Hotspot owners also see returns from sharing their bandwidth. WiFi Master Key plans to provide a 1,000 yuan advertisement fee to 10 million hotspot owners.

Social responsibilities

Lantern Network has paid significant attention to supporting not-for-profit organizations in China with its professional data processing technologies. It has established partnerships with Blue Sky Rescue, a non-governmental disaster response organization in China.

Lantern Network will identify the locations of team members in emergency situations and send messages to other nearby members, so they can give support in the most effective manner.

The company has also partnered with China RH Union, a Beijing-based nonprofit organization that has a large group of Rh-negative blood donors.

It will help hospitals find the nearest donors to help save more lives.