At least three international tourist spots in Uttar Pradesh including Taj Mahal in Agra would be among the eight Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) controlled monuments in the country where the visitors would get free wi-fi service very soon. Along with Taj, the other two destinations in Uttar Pradesh are the Fatehpur Sikri and Saranath in Varanasi. The Ganga ghats of Varanasi were the first to get free wi-fi on the efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who represents the this holy city in lok Sabha.
Officials of the ASI have confirmed that all required permission has been given to BSNl for setting up the free wi-fi in these monuments. Along with the three UP destinations in the first phase others to get the free internet service would be at the Sun Temple in Konarak in Odisha, Khajuraho temple in Madhya Pradesh, Humpy in Karnataka, Shor temple in Mahabalipuram and Buddheshwar temple in Thanjore. Around another 25 tourist destinations would be added in the free internet list in the second phase by next June.
Sources said the government has prepared a Request For Proposal (RFP) to invite telecom service providers to participate in the project, for which operators will not have to pay any entry fee. ASI will also provide infrastructure, and help with security clearances to the companies installing the equipment for wi-fi services. Meanwhile BSNl officials said here on Sunday that all preparation for launching wi-fi in Taj, Fatehpur Sikri and Saranath have started. The company has tied up with some private Wireless company to set up and run these services. For the first 30 minutes the internet services would be free to the users and thereafter they will have to pay. There would be coupon of Rs 20, Rs 30, Rs 50, Rs 70 and much more at the counters for additional usage of the wi-fi services, the official said.