Public data office to make internet accessible to all

New Delhi: On the lines of public call office (PCO), which was started to make voice calling affordable and accessible to each and every one, the government has decided to open public data offices (PDO) across the country to provide Wi-Fi hotspot services at reasonable rate.

According to officials associated with the project, the prime objective of the initiative is to make each and every public welfare service accessible to the people of the country and it can be only done when all the beneficiaries would have the accessibility of internet services.

"Internet has become a necessity and availing welfare schemes or other needed services without internet wouldn't be a convenient affair after some years. The PDOs that would be opened in every nook and corner would help people in accessing internet services at affordable rate," the official said.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has launched a pilot project to establish Wi-Fi hotspots across the country. As per the official, 11 companies have joined the hands with Trai in setting up over 400 Wi-Fi hotspots as a part of the pilot project.

As PCOs were being established at local kirana stores, societies, etc, similarly, the public data offices would be started at any store, society, company, etc.

"The users can choose Wi-Fi coupon vouchers ranging from Rs 2 to Rs 20 to use the services and the coupons would be valid from 30 minutes to a whole day depending upon the plan," the official said, adding that users can make payments through BHIM App or any other mode of digital transaction.

The project, which is scheduled to complete in January, would be rolled out in the country after the approval of Telecom Ministry.