Bhubaneswar Wi-Fi project gains momentum, to cost Rs 126 cr

The ambitious plan to make entire Bhubaneswar city Wi-?Fi enabled has gathered momentum as the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), the consultant for the project, has submitted a plan to Odisha government for approval.

In the project report, STPI has made a projection of Rs 126 crore investment on viability gap funding (VGF) in three years for providing over the air connectivity to the citizens.

Officials said about 400 km in the city will be brought under theWi-Fi zone through 5,000 access points.

Government sources said that STPI has submitted the detailed project report for government approval following which the request for proposal will be floated.

 

STPI is ready with the request for proposal (RFP) document.

Earlier, STPI has made a projection of Rs 196 crore of capital and operational expenditure and it is has submitted a revised proposal now. The earlier plan included Rs 96 crore for the capex and Rs 100 crore for the operation expenses.

Sources said , that STPI has studied the best practices implemented in the world for executing the Bhubaneswar Wi- Fi project, touted as the first project covering the entire city in India.

Before the preparation of the project report STPI had created PoC (proof of concept) in about six strategic locations of the city. Leading players like Bharti Infratel, Airtel, Reliance Jio and Ortel have participated in the PoC.

It may be noted that the state IT department had drawn up an ambitious plan to roll out Wi-Fi services at major locations in the capital city. The objective of providing Wi-Fi services includes providing public internet access, internet access for local businesses to spur economic development, internet access for public schools and internet access on public transportation.