Google is all set to bring free high speed WiFi access to almost 400 railway stations throughout India. The new initiative, codenamed Project Nilgiri after one of India’s famous hill stations, will use Google Fiber to provide seamless internet connectivity to people at about 400 railway stations across the length and breadth of the country over a span of 4 months.
Commuters will be able to access Wi-fi only after mobile number verification through a one-time password sent over SMS. Initially, a user will get high speed internet connectivity for the first 30 minutes and thereafter, the speed will drop and become slow. The connection of the users will however still be “active”.
But this is just the first part of an ambitious plan. IN Phase 2, Google plans to provide Wi-fi on board moving trains Pan India using cutting edge technology.
The development was first reported by TelecomTalk, which also reported that the Google is working in closely with Railtel, a PSU having a Pan India Optic fiber network running along railway tracks in rural and urban regions covering 70% of India’s population.
Currently, Indian Railways provides Wi-fi connectivity in moving trains for select routes like Rajdhani express using satellite communication technology.
It is good that now the passengers will get Wi-Fi services in Indian railway stations (400), passengers will easily access the information while travelling.It means people will use the internet for free and Google will get profits…
A win-win situation for everyone, yes.