HRD ministry asks colleges to provide free Wi-Fi on campus

The ministry has written to vice-chancellors and heads of all higher educational institutions asking them to contact telecom service providers who are willing to provide internet services for free.

Colleges and technical institutes across the country may soon offer free Wi-Fi to students and staff.

Ministry officials said they plan on targeting 50,000 campuses in the country. (File)

The Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry has written to vice-chancellors and heads of all higher educational institutions asking them to contact telecom service providers who are willing to provide internet services for free.

According to the letter, each user would have a quota of data they can use for free after which, they will have to pay the telecom service provider. Ministry officials said they plan on targeting 50,000 campuses in the country.

“The creation of digital campus would require a large national effort involving both private and public players. Some telecom service providers have already evinced interest in participating in this effort.” reads the letter sent on January 15.

“It is expected that the facility is to be provided by telecom service and internet service providers at their own cost. There shall be no financial implications to the institution ...” the letter said.

Last year, Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Jio had expressed a desire to deploy free Wi-Fi connectivity in close to 38,000 colleges (technical and non-technical) under the HRD ministry. The ministry sought advice from Telecom Reglatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Both agencies have supported the proposal.