Now, access BSNL Wi-Fi hotspots irrespective of the mobile network you use

New Delhi: Mobile users in the country will have access to Wi-Fi services from hotspots set up by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) as the state-run telecom firm looks to generate further revenue streams in the market. According to BSNL, 25,000 hotspots are available for use across India as the public sector firm aims to deploy 1,00,000 WiFi hotspots in the coming future. Mobile users will have the option of free WiFi and premium WiFi.

As part of this service, a user availing any other mobile service will initially have access to 30 minutes of free WI-FI and then will have to pay for WiFi recharge coupons.

"BSNL aims to spread high-speed Internet access through high-speed Internet connectivity across university campuses, schools, colleges, hospitals, public places, post offices, government offices, parks, gram panchayats, health centres, and tourist places and heritage sites of India bringing Internet connectivity for one and all through the deployment of Wi-Fi Network," BSNL says on its website.

A source said that the company's broadband users will have access to these services, adding that the target is not just to tap users in Tier I, II and III cities, but also to focus on rural areas.

The state firm has fallen down the pecking order since the launch of free voice and unlimited data plans set up by Reliance Jio Infocomm last year, but with their latest move, they hope to boost their presence in the Indian market.