(a) whether there exists a government scheme or programme to set up Wi-Fi in rural areas of the country specifically in the State of Gujarat;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the funds allocated for the same; and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS &
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(SHRI MANOJ SINHA)
(a) to (c) BharatNet is being implemented to provide broadband connectivity to all the Gram Panchayats (approx. 2,50,000) in the country. As part of this project, the last mile connectivity, through Wi-Fi or any other suitable broadband technology is being provided at all the GPs in the country, including in the State of Gujarat. The project is targeted to be completed by March 2019. A total of Rs. 562 crore has been approved for 14050 GPs of Gujarat.
Other schemes being implemented to provide Wi-Fi services in Gujarat are:
a) Public Wi-Fi hotspots are being set up by BSNL at its 1850 Telephone Exchanges in rural areas of Gujarat.
b) Wi-Fi hotspots are being set up at 15 rural Railway Stations in Gujarat by M/s RailTel.