The government plans to reach up to 50 crore internet subscribers in next 6-7 months, besides installing 2,500 Wi-Fi hotspots at 256 places by the next fiscal, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Sunday.
“Today mobile penetration is 100 crore, while internet penetration is 40 crore. It took more than 3-4 years to become from 20 to 30 crore. It took less than a year to become from 30 to 40 crore and I have fixed a target of 50 crore,” Mr. Prasad said at the launch of the Bombay Stock Exchange’s (BSE) free public Wi-Fi service started in partnership with Tata Docomo.
“God willing, we will cross 50 crore in coming 6-7 months,” he said.
The Minister said BSNL aims to install 2,500 Wi-Fi hotspots at 256 places by the next fiscal.
Mr. Prasad also announced that the BSE would get its own postage stamp.
“In acceding to your (BSE) request to have postal stamp, I am feeling happy as it is the official recognition of the work you are doing,” he said.
