Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Jun 23: Because of problems created by coronavirus, schools and colleges are not open now. People going to work also are facing problems. Under these circumstances, an internet connection with good speed is the need of the hour. Even in villages, internet is the basic need for all classes of people. Even though people living in urban centres do not face such problems, in villages, let alone the internet, even making calls poses a problem. Now, students are forced to search for signals, braving wind and rain, reaching the top of some hillocks, duly taking shelter under some tree and getting wet.

Under these circumstances, where people were crying for some internet, ‘PM-Wani’ has begun functioning. PM-Wani has started functioning in Kamila, Sullia taluk, Dakshina Kannada district. It is being made available with the name, Ekanet.

The central government had taken an initiative to provide public Wi-Fi under the name, 'PM-Wani' in December last through the department of telecom. It had also issued instructions to initiate the scheme at various parts of the country. Sairanjan Kalkaru and Sadashiva Kodappala, who took up with the department, took interest to install the system. Instead of complaining against departments and systems, they thought of improving the available systems.

Concerned about the students struggling to participate in the online classes, they obtained required permissions and started Wi-Fi network in Kamila. They titled it Ekanet, to send the message, a single network for everyone. Presently, this signal is available in about 2,000 sq ft space. Students and others who require emergent internet and people on work from home system can make use of this Wi-Fi. There is however provision for improvements.

The scheme run with permission from telecom department needs high speed internet. Internet was obtained through BSNL and public Wi-Fi is provided through separate device.

The scheme was approved by the central ministry on December 9, 2020. The government planned to provide broadband through Wi-Fi hotspot suppliers. This system is backed by registration through OTP and close monitoring of data, which makes sure that it is not misused.