Airtel, Ortel keen to create PoC for Bhubaneswar Wi Fi project

Leading mobile service operator Airtel and homegrown broadband service provider Ortel Communications Ltd have evinced interest in creation of Proof of Concepts (PoC) at two select locations in Bhubaneswar for the proposed city Wi Fi project.

Initially, the two companies are keen to create PoC for Utkal university campus and the posh Sahid Nagar locality in the city.

The state IT department had drawn up an ambitious plan to roll out Wi Fi services at major locations in the capital city. The project is estimated to cost around Rs 100 crore, and is targeted for completion within a year.

Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), the implementing agency for Wi Fi project, had invited Expression of Interest (EoI) for creation of PoC from interested operators at select clusters of the city, including the area inside the Utkal university campus.

The service provider would offer free internet services for 30 minutes per day to each user which can be accessed through mobile phones or laptops and handheld devices through Wi Fi. The experience and feedback would be taken into account while rolling out full-fledged Wi Fi services.

Since the Vani Vihar area is one of the highest internet and smart phone user zones, the experience and feedback of users is vital for designing the final architecture of the project.

For creation of PoCs, the selected operators would be required to mount the access points on the poles or other convenient locations and buildings. Some locations would also need drawing power and laying of optic fibre cables. Whatever financial cost needed during the PoC study would be borne by the operators.

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.