Union telecom minister Manoj Sinha on Thursday announced that the Indian telecom industry will roll out one million Wi-Fi hotspots in the country by December 2019, which is another step towards the digital empowerment of the nation.
Bharat Wi-Fi, a countrywide common inter-operable platform of one million Wi-Fi hotspots, owned and operated by telecom service providers, Internet service providers and virtual network operators will be rolled out across the country. This initiative allows consumers to access Wi-Fi hotspots of any of the partnering operators, he said.
He was inaugurating India Mobile Congress (IMC), one of the biggest marquee mobile, internet and technology events for South and South-East Asia, with the theme: “New Digital Horizons ~ Connect. Create. Innovate”.
“Introducing the second edition of the India Mobile Congress is a proud moment for us. Last year, we witnessed an overwhelming response from everyone and we are confident that IMC 2018 will reach to the next level of success,” Mr Sinha said.
The minister said the country is at the cusp of a digital revolution, with disruptions happening in each and every sector and industry.
With growing smartphone and Internet penetration and with the finalisation of National Digital Communication Policy 2018, these are exciting times for the telecom sector, and society at large, he said.
“We are elated to have the support of the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) and skill development and entrepreneurship in addition to such enthusiastic participation from who’s who of the industry. IMC 2018 will not only attract investors, it will also witness the launch of several innovative products, encourage emerging startups, and promote futuristic technologies, thereby paving the path to accomplishing the Prime Minister’s vision of a digitally connected India,” the minister said.