The craze around Wi-fi Cities: Is India really Internet Ready?
Many people compare the advent of Wi-Fi cities with the recent 'Digital India' campaign. This is not completely true as the proposal for free Wi-Fi hotspots was under discussion even before the NaMo government. The present government only accelerated the development of a digitally equipped India.
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Currently, we have numerous free Wi-Fi spots across the country and many others in the pipeline. Additionally, the government is carrying out pilot projects in trains, metros and airplanes. But is India really ready for it?
Although elaborate plans have been made in the past, there's been little in terms of delivery and quality of services. Thus, the country doesn't have a great track record in this respect.
Firstly, the concept of 'free' Internet is itself a bit controversial. Free internet is only available for a particular time span or data usage. For example, in Bangalore one can surf the web for free for the first three hours only and post that one need's to buy a recharge card. In case of Delhi's Connaught Place, only half an hour worth of web surfing is free of cost.
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Another problem that irritates the free Wi-Fi users in India is the limited coverage. In Patna, there are many spots in the specified 20 kilometer Wi-Fi stretch where Internet cannot be accessed at all. The situation is no different in Bangalore and Delhi's Connaught Place. Quality of services is also a big question with the free Wi-Fi. Slow speed and weak connections are common experiences of the users.
It's also not unfair to say that India is still uncertain when it comes to the issue of Internet Security. Wi-Fi spots are a haven for Internet hackers and users are still waiting for strong firewall mechanisms to prevent foreign intrusions.
With the Digital India campaign due in 2019, the country has a long way to go. We can only hope that things fall into place soon.