In line with the Modi government's ambitious `Digital India' programme that is aimed at boosting internet connectivity across the country, the government will roll out free high-speed Wi-Fi in 2,500 cities and towns across the country in over three years. The programme involving an investment of up to Rs 7,000 crore is to be implemented by BSNL.
The free ride will be only for a limited time, after which users will have to pay for further access, a model similar to what is being offered at airports and other places by private operators. For those having a BSNL or an MTNL connection, the switch-over to Wi-Fi will be similar to roaming “at very nominal costs“ once the free usage is over.
The BSNL CMD said that the Wi-Fi speed will be of’ 4G level’ as the company will develop it around its vast optic fibre and cable network. Around 50,000-60,000 Wi-Fi hotspots will be set up as part of the programme. The cities where it will be rolled out include Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow, Dehradun, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bhopal, Jaipur, Patna, Indore, Chandigarh and Ludhiana.
BSNL is hoping that a favourable tariff plan offered for Wi-Fi services will help it gain mobile subscribers.
