High-speed Net connectivity from BSNL soon

State-owned BSNL will launch high-speed wireless Internet service based on Wi-Fi and Wi-Max technologies in the next nine months and will shortly float a Rs 10 crore (Rs 100 million) tender for equipment.

In the next six to nine months, BSNL's high-speed Internet connections will be launched in 10 cities, including four metros and cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad and Bangalore, sources said.

The PSU would float the Rs 10 crore tender in three weeks for accessing Wi-Max base transmission systems and customer equipment, they said.

With this BSNL aims to complete its service offerings by providing high speed wireless Internet access. The company would have to set up Wi-Fi hotspots at airports, hotels, university campuses, government hospitals and other public places. It will set up 400-500 hotspots initially.

The move is aimed at taking on the private telecom operators who are laying networks or have already started providing high-speed Internet through broadband along with a host of other offerings.

BSNL, which is a national Internet service provider, plans to increase the number of Internet subscribers through this offering.

Wi-Fi provides wireless Internet coverage within 500 metres with a small hotspot, while Wi-Max has a maximum range of 10-20 km and could provide blanket coverage.

Wi-Fi standards refer to 802.11b and 802.11g technology.

State-owned MTNL is also firming up plans to offer wireless Internet through 802.11b and 802.11g.

Wi-Fi was installed in parts of Bangalore last October by Sify.