Thiruvananthapuram sources have stated that 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. The 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.
It was stated that 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, smart phones, 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. 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.
Sources have stated that 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.
