Exclusive: BSNL to invest Rs 6,000 Crore to setup 40,000 WiFi Hotspots across India says Ravi Shankar Prasad

State run telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL) will set up around 40,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across the country, entailing an investment of about Rs 6000 crore. The global tender for the project is likely to be floated by July and it will be completed by 2018, seeking private participation.

"BSNL will set up 40,000 wi-fi hot spots across the country and the project is likely to be completed by 2018," said Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad while launching Free Wi-Fi facility at Taj Mahal on Tuesday. BSNL CMD Anupam Srivastava said this will help the state run telecom operator to take on private telcos that are rolling out 4G internet services.

BSNL has rolled out Wi-Fi services at Taj Mahal as part of the government’s plan to put Wi-Fi at major tourist places.

"This year, BSNL will set up another 2,500 Wi-Fi hotspots at 250 locations at the cost of Rs 500 crore. Of these, about 200 hotspots have already been set up. BSNL will initially involve private players in the scheme. After a year we will evaluate and if we find the project feasible, we will back up major part of this plan through our own resources." - said Anupam Srivastava. 

“Our 3G reach is around 60% across 20 circles. By offering 40,000 Wi-Fi hotspots, we will be able to reach out to almost 85% of our total network with high-speed internet services,” Srivastava added.

BSNL will provide Free Wi-Fi services for 30 minutes per 24 hours (three times a month) which visitors can utilise in multiple sessions. After the free usage limit of 30 minutes is exhausted, a customer can pay for using the services. Subscription plans are available in the denomination of Rs 20, Rs 30, Rs 50, and Rs 70, valid for 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 120 minutes and one day, respectively.

See latest BSNL WiFi Hotspot Tariff Plans below:

• Latest BSNL WiFi Hotspot Plans | Enjoy Free Usage of 30 Minutes in a Day

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