Pune Unwired!

Pune Unwired!

Techtree News Staff, Apr 02, 2007 1900 hrs IST

PMC plans to provide fast network access to millions of users from the private, corporate and administrative sectors

Intel India along with Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Microsense has launched the deployment of the Unwire Pune project.

With this, Pune becomes the first city in the country to have commercial meshed Wi-fi and WiMax deployment.

Through this initiative, PMC proposes to make Pune a 'wireless city' which will provide fast network access to millions of users from the private, corporate and administrative sectors while projecting the city as the innovative and progressive hub of the information age.

In 2006, PMC selected Intel India as the chief technology and program management consultant to architect the project. Now, the Phase-1 of deployment has started with Microsense. Microsense will roll out the network and offer broadband wireless services.

The Phase-1 is targeted at providing wireless connectivity to an area of 20 sq kms, covering Deccan Gymkhana, Sambhaji Park, Aundh, Baner and Model Colony in the city. It is likely to be completed in 4 to 6 months and the entire project of 250 sq km of PMC will be rolled out in next 12 to 18 months.

According to the company, this will result in round-the-clock seamless (ubiquitous) Internet connectivity, available throughout the city. Starting from today, the people can experience seamless connectivity in Sambhaji Park and the PMC Building.

R. Sivakumar, Managing Director of Intel (South Asia) said, "Intel believes that this endeavour 'Unwiring Pune' is a significant leap in making broadband ubiquitous connectivity, accessible to the common man. This is a momentous announcement as we continue to scale and deliver on our vision of World Ahead. We look forward to a continued strong association with PMC."

With the vision of 'Unwiring Pune', the company believes that this standard-based wireless communication network infrastructure will enable technologies to facilitate better education, healthcare, agricultural productivity and income for the city; while improving small business and e-government access.