Tuesday was Pune’s date with technology. Even as the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) formally announced its ambitious plan to set up a wireless internet network covering the whole city within a year, the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) stole its thunder by announcing that the city’s most famous thoroughfare had been activated as a free Wi-Fi internet hot zone.
As a trial offer, users on MG Road will get free internet access at the hot zone which extends from Ambedkar Chowk to Sant Namdeo Chowk. Users just need to collect a username and password from the PCB which will then provide them with free and unlimited access to 2 mbps wireless internet at MG road for three months. After the trial period, users will be charged for access.
As reported earlier by Pune Newsline, Intel has been selected as the programme management consultant for PMC’s project which proposes to extend a wireless internet connection over 400 sq kilometers covering Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad and the Hinjewadi Technology Park.
Intel, which has already conducted similar projects on a smaller scale in USA, Germany, Australia and China, will now carry out a technology survey over the next two months before deciding on an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to set up the service.
According to sources, telecom giant BSNL will be the main contender for partnership while other companies like Reliance, Tata Indicom, Sify and Motorola are also being considered. PMC plans to provide the service within a year.
PMC commissioner Nitin Kareer said the connection will be provided at an extremely affordable price for low-end users. ‘‘We are trying to give the connection free for users who just wish to access information. For users who need more bandwidth we will be charging,’’ he said.
According to PMC’s initial plan, 10 Wi-MAX towers will be set up in the city which will be supported by over 800 Wi-Fi hotspots to provide seamless connectivity. The PMC has already earmarked Rs 7 crores for setting up the equipment. Once the technical survey has been completed, tenders will be floated.
Though the PMC has given itself a year’s time for the project to be operational, there are several hurdles it’s likely to face. For one, the ISP partner has not yet been selected and even the exact technology to be used is under consideration. Several plans like setting up new towers, using existing infrastructure or tying up with an existing provider are being worked out. PMC also plans to connect the wireless internet with its e-governance project to provide citizens easy access to government records.
Free access for three months
To access the free wireless internet at MG Road, simply visit Doughmain Restaurant and register for a username and password which will be issued on the spot.
Switch on your Wi-Fi enabled device on the road and enter the information when prompted.
You will be connected to a 2 mbps internet connection provided by HOL Infosolutions. The free access is available for a three-month trial period.
PMC has earmarked Rs 7 cr for the project which will cover 400 sq km, including Hinjewadi Software park
City will be divided into three zones. The innermost zone will have access to a 2 mbps connection while the second and third zones will have speeds of 512 Kbps and 128 kbps respectively
The city will be covered by a network of 10 Wi-MAX towers and 800-900 Wi-Fi hotspots to provide seamless connectivity