Ranchiites will have to wait for few more months to enjoy wi-fi services at main locations in the capital, a promise made by Chief Minister Raghubar Das while tabling the annual Budget in the Assembly a couple of days back.
"We have decided to cover the ambitious project under two stages. Through city wi-fi and Bharat net, high speed services at panchayats internet accessibility facility will be provided at both the levels. Specifically, if city wi-fi is considered, we have to work on technical aspects like identification of internet service provider (ISP), identification of hot spots, tender and bidding procedure, including the detailed project report," said IT Secretary Sunil Barnwal.
E-governance and digital India schemes, the two most ambitious projects of the Central Government, can only be enhanced, if the State Government pledges to provide Internet services to one and all.
"However, as far as a free wi-fi service is considered, it is yet to be decided, according to ISP standards and contract. However, our focus will be on providing Internet services at vital locations like MG Road, Albert Ekka Chowk, Birsa Chowk and others. After studying the feasibility and covering various dimensions request for proposal will be floated in April," Barnwal added.
like urban clusters, the IT Department has also targeted 14,000 Gram Panchayats to last it with high-speed Internet services in the coming days.
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Wi-fi plan in capital
to kick off in April
Under Bharat Broadband Network, the project will be implemented in the rural belts too beginning from March-April.
"After the technical aspects are sorted out completely, we along with Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) will initiate the work at demarcated places," said IT Director Umesh Prasad Sah.
"If all go well, few tourists' spots in the city will also be brought under wi-fi zone. Places like Pahari Temple, Jaggannath temple, including few recreational places will also be identified and covered under the plan, if ISP agrees and things fall in place," Barnwal pointed out.
A few months back, RMC, in the first phase, had decided to cover MG Road popularly known as Main Road to bring it under wi-fi zone.
The proposal for which will be floated soon. The initiative sanctioned by the RMC envisages using existing infrastructure as well as the under construction high-mast lED towers on the Main Road from Albert Ekka Chowk to Sujata Chowk.