The Challenge of WiFi Penetration in India
New Delhi: Despite government and telecom operator efforts, WiFi penetration in India remains low, according to Department of Science and Technology official.
Speaking at a Broadband India Forum event on World WiFi day, DST Secretary Abhay Karandikar highlighted the lack of ubiquitous backend telecom infrastructure hindering WiFi growth.
Karandikar emphasized WiFi’s importance in providing affordable connectivity and addressing the difficulties of network coverage in buildings with the transition to higher frequency bands for mobile services like 5G.
The PM WANI project, aiming to boost public WiFi hotspots, has deployed around 2 lakh hotspots, but there is still a significant gap compared to global averages.
Industry experts stress the need for more WiFi hotspots to support growing data consumption levels, with Bluetown India’s SN Gupta mentioning the government’s target of 5 crore hotspots.
Addressing challenges in backhaul provision, Gupta calls for government and regulator intervention to make WiFi more accessible and widespread in the country.
Publish Date: 20 June 2024, 16:18 IST