The State government is implementing its brand of ‘Internet of things’ by setting up 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in public places across the States, enabling free Internet for ordinary people.
District Collectors have been asked to identify the hotspots, with the assistance of the District e-governance Societies and inform the Kerala State IT mission, the nodal agency for implementing the ₹25-crore project, of the same. The possible locations are bus stands, railway stations, tourist destinations, public parks, hospitals, government colleges and universities, civil stations, and public libraries. Free Internet access will be available for a limited time period.
In view of the widespread use of laptops, smartphones, and tablets, the official assessment is that free Wi-Fi connectivity in public places will provide more access to various government services that have already gone online as part of e- governance initiatives. The government, while giving administrative sanction to the proposal, also listed other objectives such as providing information to tourists about the State; helping development of education; and enhancing productivity, efficiency, and knowledge base.
150 users at a time
Each selected location will be designed to cater to at least 150 concurrent Internet users within a range of 100 to 200 metres, based on the technical feasibility of the area. Each district has been asked to recommend 70 to 80 locations.
Depending on the area of coverage, multiple wireless access points will be installed on street poles and Internet connectivity to the access point will be provided by a licensed telecom company or Internet service provider, selected through open tender processes.
Centralised management
The Kerala State IT Mission (KSITM) will establish the centralised management of Wi-Fi access points, bandwidth monitoring, and dedicated help desk.
The District Collectors have, in turn, written to secretaries of all rural and urban local bodies to submit proposals by March 31. The entire project is expected to go on stream within six months.
The previous United Democratic Front (UDF) government had proposed such facilities at hi-tech bus stands along national and State highways as part of its objective to provide basis services to the common man even while promoting mega infrastructure development projects, including road and highway expansion.
The current proposal is to broadbase it across public places, according to government sources.
The government has not mentioned the criteria for selection of the hotspots, as a result of which there is every possibility of a distinct urban tilt, source said. Currently, online government services are primarily accessed through Akshaya Centres.
