Get ready to access free internet

KOCHI: Get ready to access free internet with decent speed at prime public places in and around Kochi. Kochi Corporation is envisaging a free Wi-Fi scheme with the support of public service operator BSNL and QuadGen Wireless Solutions, a private firm.
It is supposed to roll out from April 1.
Ten locations have been marked for the initial implementation of the project. These are Fort Kochi, Mattancherry, Marine Drive, High Court, Subhash Park, Corporation main office, Jose junction, Vyttila Mobility Hub, Edappally junction and Kaloor. With more than one access point– six hotspots in Marine Drive itself- BSNL claims to give 2G data at 10 Mbps speed over a wide area surrounding each location.

However, in the initial stage, the free access will be limited to only 15 minutes for a person per day. The user could browse or download for free in the first 15 minutes and further usage will be billed using special BSNL vouchers or online payment.

The rates of vouchers are not fixed but BSNL assures that it will be 30 per cent lower than what they charge for normal internet connection.“Once it is launched, those who wish to avail free Wi-Fi will have to first register with BSNL. A unique identification password will be send to their mobile number after registration in order to access the service,” explained G Muraleedharan, principal general manager, BSNL.

Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany claimed that this is the first time a municipal corporation is attempting to do such a huge feat by providing free data connectivity to a large portion of the city. “We want to enable free Wi-Fi in the entire city in future and make it smart. As of now, no other Indian city has such a free Wi-Fi scheme as big as the one we are planning for Kochi,” he said.

He added that he will submit the proposal in the next council meeting for ratification.