Every state government is looking to step up the game when it comes to providing connectivity to the public. At the #Future2018 event, the Chief Minister of Kerala Shri Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the State government would provide connectivity through 1000 free public Wi-Fi hotspots across the State. And these hotspots will be powered by Cisco technology, and Kerala is all set to become the first state in India with the largest public Wi-Fi network providing statewide access. The statewide network will provide citizens access to the internet with WiFi spots deployed in parks, libraries and other public spaces.
Setting up free Wi-Fi hotspots to the public is part of the Country Digitization Acceleration programme, and the State government has worked closely with Cisco over the last six months to provide end to end Wi-Fi hardware for these wireless access points.
Sudhir Nayar, Managing Director, Commercial Sales, Cisco India and SAARC said, “The vision outlined by the Honorable Chief Minister of Kerala will help harness the power of digital transformation to accelerate economic growth and social progress in the State. We are excited to be a part of Kerala’s digital journey and believe that this sets an example that other States can replicate.”
As part of the project and to accelerate Kerala's digital transformation, Cisco will be set up these Wi-Fi network hotspots in a phased manner. "As part of its commitment to accelerating the digital transformation of Kerala, Cisco will install the Wi-Fi network in Phases," a media release said.
The Indian government is after setting up public Wi-Fi hotspots across the country under the BharatNet project. With these hotspots, the public will be able to enjoy free broadband even on the go. Telangana government is also working on the same project and is expected to set up Wi-Fi hotspots in various locations very soon.
