As the national economy continues to grow, the tourism industry has emerged as a new economic driver, and people’s desire to travel has become increasingly strong. Phrases like “just go” and “the world is so big, I want to see it” have become a new national fashion. While the destination is important, many travelers are troubled by problems such as insufficient data or lack of internet access along the way. Free Wi-Fi has become an essential need for travel enthusiasts.
When there’s no free Wi-Fi to “borrow” on trains or buses, high-cost mobile data becomes a major issue. Travelers urgently need a tool to solve their immediate internet needs. Back-and-Forth App, backed by China’s largest travel Wi-Fi service provider — Hangmei Online Group — has independently built Wi-Fi equipment across 80% of the country’s railways, buses, and even some airline routes. It is the most technologically advanced, highest market share, and widest coverage free Wi-Fi app in China.
Over the past two years, Hangmei Online Group has installed Wi-Fi equipment in more than 22,000 train carriages, covering 90% of railway lines in developed coastal cities. It is expected that once all contracted trains are connected to Wi-Fi, they will serve nearly 2.5 billion passengers, leading the industry by a wide margin. Its independently developed vehicle digital terminal, M-BOX, not only provides free Wi-Fi for long-distance bus passengers but also integrates bus travel data, BeiDou positioning systems, and in-vehicle video recording systems. This allows real-time monitoring of the vehicle’s overall condition and recording of video footage, providing comprehensive management solutions for bus operating companies. In April 2017, Hangmei Online Group also co-founded China Unicom Hangmei Network Co., Ltd. with China Unicom, making it one of the first companies in China to layout aviation Wi-Fi. It has conducted pioneering trials of aviation Wi-Fi with multiple airlines, addressing the issue of in-flight connectivity at a retrofitting cost of about 3 million RMB per aircraft.
“Travel socializing” has increasingly become a need for travel enthusiasts. Whether it’s a chance encounter on the streets of Lijiang or a glance across a foreign land, these moments linger in the heart. Strangers met during a trip can leave lifelong memories. Back-and-Forth not only offers free Wi-Fi during your journey but has also historically introduced the brand-new concept of Wi-Fi-based socializing. Previously, the basic behaviors of people on the move were mainly about killing time and chatting socially. Through Back-and-Forth, users can interact with others connected to the same Wi-Fi — say hello, chat, or check their personal profiles. This feature is especially useful on transportation, where users can find fellow travelers and enjoy conversations along the way. Wi-Fi is not just a technology or a tool; each Wi-Fi node comes with its own network of connections and context, allowing people on long journeys to get to know each other simply by sharing the same free Back-and-Forth Wi-Fi. These social connections can extend beyond the journey to the destination, and even into daily life.
Travel is never just about the destination — “being on the road” is also one of today’s hottest topics. The functional features of the Back-and-Forth App, combined with its new social concept, add a new layer of enjoyment to travel.