Digital India: C-DoT's WiFi products to ease connectivity in rural areas, hilly terrain

Kolkata: Communications minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday unveiled new broadband products developed by the government's telecom research arm, Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DoT), on the heels of launch of Digital India programme.

C-DoT has developed two WiFi products - long distance and solar-powered WiFi systems - to address connectivity issues in rural areas, hilly terrain, highways in dense vegetation and tunnels. It has also developed a green power source to make the broadband solution self-sustainable.

The green power solution will help increase the reach of India's national broadband network, BharatNet, beyond panchayats to the remotest corners of India, said Prasad. BharatNet will be the communications backbone of the Digital India drive.

Prasad said C-DoT's long-distance WiFi products could solve the problem of distance, whereas its solarpowered WiFi solution would reduce dependence on grid power.

The minister launched C-DoT's products in the presence of Kenya's cabinet secretary, ICT, Fred Marang'I Okengo, who said his country is "closely following the Digital India."

Telecom secretary Rakesh Garg, in turn, exhorted the private sector to use C-DoT's broadband products. He also urged the state-run telecom research agency to design products suited to Indian conditions.

Prasad that the Narendra Modi government is committed to bring all 2.5 lakh villages under broadband services and enhance internet penetration from 300 million to 500 million within two and a half years.

C-DoT's executive director Vipin Tyagi said the research agency is innovating with an aim "to empower the weaker strata of society" and develop indigenous products to facilitate continuous telecom upgradation. He said that technology is a big enabler and broadband a big leveller. "Roti, kapda, makaan (food, clothing, shelter) and broadband are basic needs of human beings," he said.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.