DoT to provide free Wi-Fi services at 45 cities, 705 tourist locations in India

The Narendra Modi government has launched the Digital India initiative and has instructed the Department of Telecom to provide wi-fi access to public in cities with more than 1 million population. The Department of Telecom has identified 45 cities and 705 tourist locations to provide Wi-Fi services in public areas in India. Recently even BSNL started offering free Wi-fi in Varanasi.

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Discussions with private telecom operators to roll out the network required for the services have been initiated. The government is looking to free up the 60 GHz spectrum band for Wi-Fi, which will allow operators to use this spectrum without any licence fee or spectrum charge. In the meantime, telecom players, including Idea Cellular, Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices, have given rough estimates of around Rs -50 lakh to offer internet services at 512 kbps to 500 users simultaneously in a 2500 square metre area.

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On the other hand, the DoT is planning to fund the capital required through the Universal Services Obligation while the operational expense will be met through user fees. The 45 cities identified are all with more than 10 lakh population. The Commissioner of Municipal Corporations will identify 10 public places in each city. Once this facility is set up, users will be able to watch their favourite movie or listen to live streaming music on their phones and tablets even if they do not have a 3G or 4G connection.