BSE has selected telecom network operator Tata Docomo to offer free Wi-Fi services to the public.
The Mumbai stock exchange will offer free Wi-Fi services around the area of PJ Tower to the public for 4 hours in a day to start with, said Tata Docomo.
The free Wi-Fi service was inaugurated by IT and telecommunications minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Sunil Tandon, head – Non Voice Services, Tata Teleservices, said: “Public Wi-Fi access is an important step towards digitization and an earnest endeavor for the evolving high speed internet access infrastructure development in the country.”
Tata Docomo plans to set up Wi-Fi hotspots in major cities across the country over the next two years. The mobile service provider has already powered Wi-Fi services in select cities.
IANS reported that the government plans to reach up to 50 crore internet subscribers in next 6-7 months, besides installing 2,500 Wi-Fi hotspots at 256 places by the next fiscal, Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said on Sunday.
“Today mobile penetration is 100 crore, while internet penetration is 40 crore. It took more than 3-4 years to become from 20 to 30 crore. It took less than a year to become from 30 to 40 crore and I have fixed a target of 50 crore,” Prasad said at the launch of the Bombay Stock Exchange’s (BSE) free public Wi-Fi service started in partnership with Tata Docomo.
“God willing, we will cross 50 crore in coming 6-7 months,” he said.
The minister said the state-run BSNL aims to install 2,500 Wi-Fi hotspots at 256 places by the next fiscal.
The Digital India programme includes projects which aim to ensure that the government services are available to citizens electronically and people benefit from information and communication technology.
“Digital India will transform the country, and it is more for people like chaiwallas and paanwallas so that they can enhance their skills,” Prasad said.
He also announced that the BSE, which is Asia’s oldest stock exchange with 3 crore registered investors, would get its own postage stamp.
“In acceding to your (BSE) request to have postal stamp, I am feeling happy as it is the official recognition of the work you are doing,” he said.
“Launched Free Public WiFi at @BSEIndia Mumbai,” Prasad tweeted later.
