150 "Google Stations" offering free Wi-Fi deployed across Pune
Two years after launching free public Wi-Fi initiative called "Google Station" to bring millions of Indians online, Google has partnered with engineering and construction giant Larsen & Toubro to bring 150 "Google Station" hotspots to Pune. They were deployed under Pune Smart City Development Corporation's "Smart City" project. Google is installing "Google Stations" outside of railways for the first time in India. Here's more.
Expanding Google Station hotspots to cities
"Today marks a big step for us as we expand Google Station hotspots from railways to cities. Our aim with Google Station is to bring fast Wi-Fi to more users in more places within India," said Vinay Goel, Director of Product Management for Google Station.
Google Station hotspots available at public places in Pune
Three million people in Pune can now "go online within seconds" thanks to the free public Wi-Fi hotspots installed there. People can connect with friends, shop online, stream music/videos, or pay bills at public places, including gardens, hospitals, police stations, etc. The tech-giant hopes "Google Stations" would increase the usability of various other smart city services like public transport, digital-learning, and digital governance.
How to access free Wi-Fi in Pune?
List of locations where Google Stations are deployed
The list of all 150 locations across Pune where people can enjoy fast, free and safe Wi-Fi services has been shared by Pune Smart City Task Force on Twitter. The locations include public gardens, museums, bus stops, auditoriums, hospitals, government offices, and police stations.
Millions benefited through Google's free Wi-Fi at railway stations
Google announced Google Station public Wi-Fi initiative, promising fast and free Internet for everyone in 2016. The company's first free Wi-Fi services were rolled out at Mumbai Central station in Jan'16. Google says more than 7.7 million people at over 270 railway stations across India benefited through its RailTel Wi-Fi project in 2017. It would soon deploy high-speed Wi-Fi hotspots at more railway stations.
Highest-quality Wi-Fi service: Goel
"We built Google Station to be both the highest-quality and easiest Wi-Fi service for users and the easiest for partners to deploy. We think this makes 'Station' a great connectivity partner for the growing number of Indian smart cities," stated Vinay Goel.
