TOURISM -- 2 ::

Wi-Fi HOTSPOTS FOR TOURISTS IN THE NILGIRIS

BY P S SUNDAR

                   Tourists visiting Nilgiris will soon be able to access internet services free-of-cost, thanks to Government-enterprise Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) announcing to create Wi-Fi hotspots.

“This comes under ‘Digital India’ programme launched by Prime Minister on July 1 through which BSNL will establish 40,000 Wi-Fi hotspots at an investment of ` 6,000 crore, mostly in tourist places to help travellers stay connected.  Accordingly, we have chosen Nilgiris to benefit under Wi-Fi hotspot coverage”, BSNL Principal General Manager D Sivaraj told me.   

“To begin with, we will create Wi-Fi facility at Sim’s Park, the most popular picnic spot in Coonoor, by this month-end”, he said.

“Anyone can access this Wi-Fi even without a sim card.  It is totally free for 30 minutes per 24 hours which can be accessed three times in a month for the same number.   Tourists can utilise this in multiple sessions.   After free usage, they can continue to use the service on paid basis for which subscription plans are available”, Sivaraj detailed.

“We will also be introducing Wi-Fi facility at Government Botanical Garden, Ooty, and Valley View picnic spot.    We surveyed 3G high usage areas based on which, we propose to create Wi-Fi hotspots in Coonoor market, Aruvankadu, Elk Hill, Gudalur and Panthalur”, Deputy General Manager R Chandrika said.

“This will benefit tourists to stay connected for Digital Locker, e-education and e-health facilities.  Mobile subscribers of any network can port-in to BSNL network by implementing Full Mobile Number Portability”, she added.

(l-r): Muralidharan (DGM - Finance), Sivaraj (PGM) & Chandrika (DGM)

(response can also be sent to: pssundar.coonoor@gmail.com).