As per the latest agreement, BSNL and MTNL will provide free Wi-Fi facilities at 100 tourist places across the country. The Union Tourism Ministry has stuck a deal with the state-run telecom operators to this effect.
With data and internet changing the life of a modern man, it is inevitable to attract to customers by offering their solutions. The Government of India has taken this initiate to provide free Wi-Fi at tourist places so that it can give a big push to Incredible India campaign.
MoU Between Tourism Ministry & Telecom Operator:
As per the strategy, the telecom operators will provide free Wi-Fi services for a period of 7 years and the Tourism Ministry bearing the operational cost for the first 3 years. It is to be noted that Wi-Fi services are already being provided at 30 tourist places. Of them, the prominent ones are Bodh Gaya (Bihar), the Ghats of Varanasi, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal (Uttar Pradesh), Khajuraho (Madhya Pradesh), and Tirumala temple (AP).
The Union Tourism Ministry would add another 70 locations to the list in the next 6 months, taking the tally to 100. It is to be noted that this Wi-Fi access would be free for a few minutes and would be charged accordingly. However, there is no official information regarding Wi-Fi usage post free trial period.
Why Wi-Fi?
One may wonder why the Government is taking this initiative to install Wi-Fi services at tourist spots. If you look at Indian telecom sector, it lacks strong internet facilities and this initiative will enable travelers to click photos, and share the beauty of the nation on social media in real time. And this will attract the tourists inflow followed by earning foreign exchange, employment, and empowerment.
