VSNL to launch 1000 WiFi hotspots

16 May 2007

Tata Group affiliate VSNL has drawn up plans to enhance its Wi-Fi service network in India. The former public sector company has been leading the growth of Wi-Fi hotspot industry in India and today has the largest public hotspot network in India with over 250 hotspots.

It now plans to open another 1,000 hotspots this year to increase internet access to business and net-savvy travellers on the move.

VSNL''s hotspots include major domestic and international airports, leading premium hotels, educational institutions, sports stadia, hospitals, restaurants chain and up market coffee shops.

Some of the locations for its hotspoyts would be within the premises of its partners like Taj Group of Hotels, Le Meridien, Cafe Coffee Day, Barista, Manipal University, Wockhardt, amongst others. It is also creating hotspots at non-traditional public locations like mobile and IT product shops, railway stations, etc.

Through its membership of the global consortium of network Wi-Fi service providers, Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), VSNL plans to enable international roaming for business travellers in alliance with other members including British Telecom, France Telecom, Korean Telecom, StarHub, Swisscom Mobile and T-Mobile-US.