Wi-Fi not to be free for all in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: Hyderabad may soon become a Wi-Fi city, but the service is not going to be free for all, as that may put a heavy burden on the server infrastructure and may even spark security concerns. The information technology department of the  Telangana State government is working towards developing a model to have a mix of free and paid Wi-Fi access, said IT and panchayat raj minister K.T. Rama Rao.

“We are trying to have a level playing field for the service providers and ensure that all the service providers participate. Wi-Fi will be available everywhere in Hyderabad. However, if we make it free for everybody, it will result in a huge burden on the network. Therefore, Wi-Fi access will have to be a mix of free and paid.  We are also exploring new technologies like ‘White-Fi’, which is an evolving technology,” he said. Discussing security issues, the minister said an R&D meeting will be held soon to resolve all such concerns.

Meanwhile, the crucial Information Technology Investment  Region project, which was approved by the UPA government at the Centre, has seen no progress. The minister plans to take up the matter with the Union minister for IT when he meets him on September 15.

Mr Rao said, “The Government of India has announced the ITIR project for Hyderabad. I have already sought an appointment with the Union minister for IT. The first phase of the ITIR project will be completed in the next five years, but it might take time to evolve and reach the state of generating 15 lakh employment, as predicted by NASSCOM.”