BSNL looks at Wi-Fi service to counter pvt operators

HUBBALLI: The Dharwad Circle of the BSNL has decided to set up 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots across Dharwad, Haveri and Gadag districts by March 2017 to counter the launch of 4G services by private service providers
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Vivek Jaiswal, general manager, Dharwad Circle, BSNL, said these hotspots will come with 10 mbps speed.He said that the BSNL wants to take its network to every nook and corner of the three districts and necessary infrastructure is being created for the same. On complaints of weak signals on cities' outskirts, Jaiswal said that the BSNL is planning to tie-up with cable operators to expand its network in such areas. He said the free Wi-Fi service provided at three places in Hubballi-Dharwad has received good response. "Around 1,200 to 1,300 people are accessing internet everyday at Old Bus Terminus in Hubballi. Hotspots at Shirur Park in Hubballi and Jubilee Circle in Dharwad are also being used extensively by the customers," he added.
To attract new customers, the BSNL has introduced a promotional offer where a customer can get a new landline connection for just Rs 49 a month for the first six months. Thereafter, the monthly charge will be as per the general plan in rural and urban areas, Jaiswal said.
The BSNL has also increased the minimum broadband speed to 1 mbps, he added. He said that the BSNL launched unlimited free calling on Sundays for its landline users on August 15 in addition to free calling during night hours from 9pm to 7am every day.