Re: "Free" WiFi in Delhi

Hi

+++ ken [2015-04-26 11:11:24]:

> My initial take on your explanation is to point out that it is unlikely
> that any 4G network will be deployed should this free WiFi network be
> implemented. No business model which is dependent of extremely costly
> spectrum and equipment is likely to withstand a competitor who provides a
> similar service for free.

The WiFi network is not going to be free for unlimited access. Similar govt.
run networks in India are just for political grandstanding have ridiculous
limits on usage which make them mostly useless. In Bangalore the limit is 3
hours/day or 50MB. (http://wifi.dvois.com/ ) And the two times I've tried to
access the network, it wouldn't even work. 

It's hard to imagine someone rich enough to own a smartphone who cannot
afford to buy a 2G/3G data pack for that 50MB and get reliable  24x7
connectivity and faster speeds.

Considering the kind of backlash/pushback from COAI over their imagined
losses from net neutrality, they wouldn't sit quietly by while their entire
business is taken away from them. 

Reliance Jio's LTE network will run on 20Mhz of spectrum in the 2300Mhz band.
So it would benefit benefit them immensely if they win this WiFi contract, so
they can install their 4G antennas in places where telcos would normally not
be allowed to.

They faced opposition in Mumbai when they tried to place the tower in a
park.(Though they have been allowed to place them in other parks/grounds
etc.)

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/BMC-asks-firm-to-shift-cell-tower-from-Bandra-kids-park/articleshow/46161265.cms

But if they land this contract in Delhi, they could get a lot more freedom in
terms of tower placements.

> Of course - but not half as much as delaying this network when the real
> cost to a generation of students is factored in. Please don't misunderstand
> me, I loath corruption and support your efforts - only up to the point
> where you deny the people of Delhi free connectivity for even a day.

I'd rather not have a badly run citywide wifi network owned by the govt., or
an Ambani owned "freemium" wifi, making it impossible for others to
build/operate a better network.

Kingsly

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