Bengaluru
The tech capital of India, Bangalore, is on the verge of an impressive digital transformation, as the state government unveils plans to roll out more than 3,000 free Wi-Fi zones across the city in the coming days. This innovative initiative is anticipated to cascade to other regions of the state in the near future. In a pivotal development, IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge held discussions with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also holds the role of Bangalore Development Minister. The focus of their deliberations centered on the provision of free Wi-Fi services throughout the bustling city. Addressing the media following the meeting, Minister Kharge elucidated the forthcoming roadmap. The plan entails collaborating with broadband providers and telecom companies to seamlessly implement the project. Remarkably, the financial burden on the government is projected to be minimal. With the burgeoning digital landscape, the provision of free Wi-Fi in public spaces is considered an essential service, poised to empower the masses. Bangalore’s growing need for connectivity is underscored by the requirement for a substantial number of Wi-Fi hotspots. Consequently, the plan’s initial phase will spotlight densely populated areas like markets, metro stations, and bus stands. This strategic approach aims to bolster digital access in locations where the public often seeks essential services that hinge on internet connectivity, such as booking transportation. Minister Kharge emphasized that after its integration in Bangalore, the project’s triumphant blueprint could extend its reach to encompass other districts within the state. This expansive vision aligns seamlessly with the state’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to the digital realm for all its residents. This endeavor is not the first of its kind. Back in 2014, during the tenure of then-Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, a similar endeavor was launched in both Bengaluru and Kalaburagi.
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