Digital India unfolds as Gadag becomes first city in Karnataka with widespread wi-fi cover

Gadag in Karnataka has a reason to rejoice. Browsing the internet, downloading files and chatting will be free of cost, with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) installing Wi-Fi hotspots all over the the city.

With this, Gadag has become the first city in the state to have the widest free Wi-Fi cover. Utilizing funds from the Gadag-Betageri City Municipal Council, Gadag Urban Development Authority (GUDA) and Karnataka Legislators’ Local Area Development (KLLAD), Deputy Commissioner Prasanna Kumar took the initiative to make Gadag the first city with free Wi-Fi cover. The service was officially launched in Gadag on Wednesday.

Users will get 200 MB free every day, and 350-400 people can avail of the service, sources said. Vivek Jaiswal, General Manager, BSNL, said the telecom service provider launched its carrier grade high-speed Wi-Fi hotspot service, the first of its kind in the state to have pan-city free services, for the public. In all, 25 locations were selected for installation of the hotspots, and BSNL has commissioned them.

“The individual user will get up to 2mbps speed and 200MB every day. Each access point can support 300-400 users. All social websites will be accessible. Free Wi-Fi services are expected to increase people’s participation in governance and will be particularly beneficial for students,” he added.

According to The Times Of India, these spots are mainly government office premises, the bus termini, zoo, among other areas. Wi-Fi is already available in some areas, and soon, all 25 locations will be covered. Gadag, which lies on the way to tourist spots like Hampi, Hospet, Lakkundi, draws many visitors. Free Wi-Fi hotspot service will definitely help tourists too, said Sudhirsingh Ghorpade, an advocate in Gadag.

“It’s the Centre’s Digital India initiative which aims to make government services available to citizens electronically by reducing paperwork,” he added. On day one of the launch, 921 people of Gadag city availed of the facility. They used around 139.19 GB data on the first day, of which 40 MBalone was used by government hostel students, said sources.

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