13 Mar, 2008. NEW DELHI: With an aim of giving Delhi hi-tech infrastructure ahead of the 2010 Commonwealth games, the Delhi government has decided to make all the metro stations Wi-Fi enabled. 

At places of tourist interest, railway stations, hotels and at Games locations, Wi-Fi kiosks would be set up. “We are exploring the feasibility of launching the Wi-Fi services at all metro stations ahead the 2010 Commonwealth games. This would enable tourists to get wireless net access on laptops or palmtops,” said an official in IT department of Delhi government. 

Currently, the state IT department is working on its Wi-Fi pilot project at Connaught Place, South Ex I-II and Nehru place. These faciliteis would be ready by August this year. 

The Delhi government has identified bidders including internet and telecom players such as MTNL, Net4 India, Spectranet, Tulip IT Services and Microsense for these projects. Gemini Communications and Velocis Systems have also emerged prospective bidders. Request For Proposals (RFP) will now be invited later for implementing these projects. 

According to sources, Wi-Fi at these hotspots may be free of charge and service providers will garner revenue through advertising. 

The initiatives such as unwire Pune project and Delhi to make whole cities Wi-Fi enabled, at low or no costs for citizens, will increase broadband penetration and lead India faster towards the Vision 2020 goal,” said an official. 

The IT department is also exploring the feasibility of information dissemination through portals at all places of tourist interest during the Games. 

Currently, all Cafe Coffee Day outlets in Kamla Nagar, South Delhi and Barista Espresso Bars in Connaught Place, Janak Puri and South Delhi are Wi-Fi enabled. All Delhi Wi-Fi spots are working on 802.11g Wi-Fi standard.