State-run BSNL is working to provide wi-fi services at more airports managed by Airports Authority of India.
"We approached AAI Chairman three months back for providing wi-fi services. He actively responded to it. AAI has agreed to allow BSNL services and circulated information to all airports managed by them for allowing BSNL services," BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava told Press Trust of India.
AAI manages 121 airports in the country including 11 international airports.
In the first stage, BSNL will be allowed to provide Wi-Fi service at those airports where presently there are no Wi-Fi services. With respect to Wi-Fi rates, BSNL will be asked to charge the rates provided by ministry of civil aviation (MoCA). These projects are expected to complete by March 2016.
"We have started offering wi-fi services at 4-5 airports including Bhopal, Coimbatore. Depending on commercial feasibility we will expand services at airports," Shrivastava said.
The AAI also has partnership with Tata Teleservices for Wi-Fi services at some airports.
BSNL has plans to set up 2,500 Wi-Fi centres across India by end of this financial year. This excludes 100 Wi-Fi that it is setting up with Facebook and for Members of Parliament in their constituencies after Prime Minister has asked MP’s to adopt one village in their respective constituencies.
Recently, BSNL has posted Rs 672 crore operating profit in 2014-15 at 4.2 per cent and AAI has earned a revenue of Rs 9,285 crores and profit after tax of Rs 1,959 crores for the year FY 2014-15.
BW Reporters
Haider Ali Khan is an alumnus of IIMC. He holds a degree in English Journalism from the prestigious campus. His passion includes Aviation, Technology, Politics and Sports.
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