Taj Mahal now has free WiFi, but there’s a catch

Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of the world, has become the latest tourist attraction to offer free Wi-Fi to visitors. India’s Telecom Minister, Ravi Shankar Prasad, said that state-run operator BSNL will set up Wi-Fi hotspots in the destination in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

But if you’re planning to move to Agra just to lower your data bill, we should stop you right here. The free offer is valid only for the first 30 minutes. If you want more, you will have to pay for it. According to the IT minister, subscription plans are available in various denominations.

BSNL is setting up the network on an optical fibre backbone which can provide high internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps. The service is part of the Digital India programme, in which the government is working towards enabling all cities with a population of over one million and tourist centres with Wi-Fi hotspots.

ASI has identified 25 spots, including Fatehpur Sikri, Sarnath Temple, Konark Temple, Khajurao, which are also likely to become public WiFi hotspots. In February, Wi-Fi facility was launched by BSNL at Dashashwamedh Ghat and Shitala Ghats of Varanasi.

“This is a historic moment,” Prasad said. “The monument of love has come a long way from Wah Taj to Wi-Fi Taj.”

BSNL collaborated with U.S.-based company, QuadGen Wireless Solutions, to provide the high-speed service at the Taj Mahal. It’s estimated that the monument gets upwards of 6 million visitors every year.