One of the announcements that Google India made the other day should make Internet-devouring people happy. The tech giant launched Google Station, a project that aims to bring free WiFi hotspots in selected areas in the country. One of Google’s goals has been to bring connectivity to people, and India is one of those countries that have slow or limited connection, despite it being the 2nd most populous country in the world. They have been the recipient of several new projects from Google for the purpose of getting more people onto the Internet.
For a country that is labeled as “emerging” in terms of various aspects, including the digital and mobile market, India is still years behind the US and even Europe in terms of Internet connectivity. That is why Google Station is aiming to help solve that problem by rolling out WiFi hot spots in areas that people frequent, like train stations, malls, cafes, and universities. Currently, Google has made available free WiFi at 53 railway stations across the country, but they want to bring it to 100 by the end of the year.
According to Caesar Sengupta, Vice-President of the Next Billion Users at Google, their goal is to give access to people near their school or work areas and to have them login easily through their Google accounts. But eventually, they will also be trying to monetize on the free WiFi service, probably through advertising of some sorts. So enjoy your ad-free service for now, if you live in India, that is.
Google is also looking at expanding Google Station to other countries. For now, plans are to launch it in Southeast Asian countries Indonesia and the Philippines.
SOURCE: Google
VIA: Reuters
Incredible thing for Incredible India