Free Wi-Fi across Bengaluru in six months, says deputy chief minister G Parameshwara

BENGALURU: If deputy chief minister G Parameshwara has his way, the city’s 198 wards spanning 709 sqkm will have free Wi-Fi connectivity in public spaces.

While he was mum about the speed at which Wi-Fi connectivity will be available and other modalities, the deputy CM said they are preparing to launch the facility in six months.

He announced this at Govindarajnagar ward where he inaugurated a free Wi-Fi facility, an initiative by corporator Umesh Shetty and a private fir m.

“Residents in all wards will be able to use internet freely just like in Govindarajnagar,” said the deputy CM.

Umesh Shetty said the Wi-Fi works at 100mbps speed and one can download or upload 1GB data per day. The private firm has spent Rs 3 crore on internet services.

Police to get Army-like hospitals, canteens

The Karnataka police force will soon get dedicated hospital and canteen facilities on the lines of defence personnel, Parameshwara said.

In the Army’s hospital and canteen stores department (CSD), services are available at affordable rates along with tax relief.

Speaking at a function in Tumakuru on Sunday, Parameshwara said the proposed police hospital will cater to the medical needs of not just the 80,000-strong force, but their families as well.

He said the government has already established a canteen but it’s no match to the well-stocked defence canteens. “We will soon bring these police canteens on par with Army ones,” he added.

Parameshwara said the government has decided to strengthen the state police force by filling up all vacancies. Though there are 1.6 lakh posts in the department, the strength of the force as of now is 80,000.