What are Public Wi-Fi hotspots?

The evolution of the Internet has made changes to human civilization. It has offered various benefits like

• Access to important information
• Education
• Entertainment
• Publishing own content, etc.

India, being a largely populated country, is also advancing because of the mode- “Internet”. It has bridged the gap between the countries. There are many businesses such as IT companies that are doing business with the companies overseas. Similarly, researchers, analysts, and other experts are also connected with each other.

The Indian Government has taken the initiative to offer Public Wi-Fi hotspots services for the welfare of the Indian citizen. It has improved the well-being and efficiency of society.

Let’s read what broadband is!

A Broadband is defined as a means to connect data that delivers high-speed internet access services. There are different modes that let us get connected with the world. The services included are:

• Digital Subscriber lines (DSL)
• Mobile broadband services
• Cable TV network &
• Optical fiber technology

In addition, the wireless local area networks(WLAN) are in use as an effective mechanism for broadband services. It offers an extension of last mile connectivity to users broadband connection.

Public Wi-Fi is a kind of amenity that is used by many individuals these days. Most people search for free Wi-Fi access at various places like Airports, Restaurants, etc.

But is it completely safe to use public Wi-Fi?

There is no doubt that it has numerous advantages but at the same time, it has some drawbacks too. It causes notable problems for common people.

Let’s read all about public Wi-Fi hotspots.

What is a Wi-Fi hotspot?

Wi-Fi hotspot is an access point of the internet that enables you to connect with a Wi-Fi network through mobiles, computers or any other device. The Indian Government & many institutions offer Wi-Fi hotspots for the use of common people. These hotspots aid people to access the internet that is faster than their cellular data.

You might wonder how these public Wi-Fi hotspots work?

So, a public Wi-Fi hotspot works much similar to a Wi-Fi network that you might find at your office or home. These hotspots carry an internet connection that uses special wireless equipment. This equipment creates a Wi-Fi network that allows you to connect a smartphone, tablet, computer or any other device.

The transmission speed/ range varies, and it depends on three things. They are:

• Cable network
• Cable modem, &
• Traffic load.

However, the idea behind a Wi-Fi hotspot is similar to a home based Wi-Fi network. The public can connect and use Wi-Fi networks wherever it is available.

Are Wi-Fi hotspots safe?

The private hotspots are completely safe. They are built for mobile versions. However, the security method used for data protection in public Wi-Fi hotspots can vary broadly. These public Wi-Fi hotspots don’t have encryption methods such as WPA & WEP that are used to protect the networks. This leads to data breaching & other unauthorized data security violations.

What are the objectives of public Wi-Fi hotspots/ PM-WANI?

• In COVID-19, the public Wi-Fi hotspots have supported many working class people. It has enabled them to get hard-earned money with high-speed internet in the country.
• Include areas which do not cover 4G mobile coverage.
• Create employment, enhance SMEs disposal income and increase the GDP of the country.
• Improve quality of life of Indian citizens.
• Encourage public Wi-Fi hotspot usage across the country.

What are the benefits of Public Wi-Fi access?

The Public Wi-Fi access provides the following benefits-

1. Education sector

The free Wi-Fi access has empowered staff and students with wireless education in educational institutions. It has built up new & innovative ways of teaching.

2. Healthcare sector

Hospitals and clinics have largely improved their services with Wi-Fi technology. The app enables the doctors to get in contact with their patients instantly.

In addition, the public Wi-Fi facility in rural healthcare has enabled patients to reach doctors remotely.

3. Commercial sector

Free WiFi access has improved the commercial sector’s growth. The businesses like cafes, salons, restaurants, etc., have gained positive revenue. This is all because of free WiFi access to their clients.

4. Public Administration sector

The Government of India has connected various cities with free public Wi-Fi. They have empowered their citizens with better services.

For instance, public transport with free Wi-Fi access has positively affected the communities. The travelers get real-time transport information. Public Wi-Fi access has shown a huge impact on tourism. The tourists are more motivated to travel at a location where they can use the free internet.

What are the important features of public Wi-Fi hotspots?

The interface to access the Wi-Fi network in India is known as PM-WANI. It is an ecosystem that is operated by different users. These users are as follows-

Public Data Office Aggregator (PDOA)

It is a PDOs aggregator that performs the functions related to accounting & approval.

App provider

App providers will develop an app to enroll users. They will display and discover PM-WANI compliant Wi-Fi hotspots in the nearby areas to access the internet service. The app providers will verify the capable broadband users.

Public Data Office (PDO)

The PDO will set up, maintain and control WANI compliant Wi-Fi access points only. They will supply the internet services to the subscribed users.

What is the use of public Wi-Fi service at railway stations?

As per India today, there are more than 7083 railway stations across India. On most of these railway stations free high speed Wi-Fi hotspot service is available for all citizens. It is under the brand name “Rail-Wire”.

The Wi-Fi enables internet usage at 1 Mbps speed for 30 minutes every day. For further usage the user has to choose the plan for high speed internet and pay the nominal fee. The plan has a different amount set which excludes GST. Moreover, there will be numerous payment options that will be used for purchasing plans.

The process to login into the public Wi-Fi hotspots network are as follows-

• Tap on the Wi-Fi icon on your portable device and select the Rail-Wire network.
• You will reach the railwire.co.in website.
• Enter all the required details and click on the reception SMS button.
• A 4 digit OTP will be received as a text message.
• Enter the OTP on the box provided.
• On your mobile screen, a confirmation mark will be visible as a Wi-Fi connection.

Which cities have free Wi-Fi spots?

There are numerous cities in India where free Wi-Fi spots are launched. These spots offer the Wi-Fi access service for up to the first 30 minutes every day. The cities where the free Wi-Fi spots are launched are-

• Gurgaon
• Delhi
• Chennai
• Ahmedabad
• Patna
• Bengaluru
• Lucknow
• Mumbai
• Kolkata
• Hyderabad
• Visakhapatnam

Conclusion

There are numerous people who look for free Wi-Fi access in complicated situations. The access of these free Wi-Fi hotspots provides advantages like free networks and work in case of emergency. It benefits students too.

GST SUVIDHA KENDRA gives gratitude to PM-WANI as it provides benefits to women’s safety. With the help of public Wi-Fi, women can access the internet. They can contact women’s helpline numbers or their loved ones to secure themselves in challenging situations.

There are some drawbacks of accessing Wi-Fi hotspots. They are:

• No sureness
• No usage of security methods
• Low speed & many more.