Google has bagged a deal to provide WiFi across Pune via its Google Station initiative. The company has received WiFi deal for the Pune Smart City Development Corporation Limited (PSCDCL) under which it will offer fast speed WiFi hotspots in the city. This will make Pune the first city in the world to get Google Station.
The deal which is valued at Rs 150 crore is in collaboration with companies like IBM, Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and RailTel. This includes operating expenditure, capital expenditure and revenue sharing elements. As per the contract, Google will deploy Wi-Fi network and focuses on monetization to make the service self-sustainable. Meanwhile RailTel will provide last-mile fiber connectivity to enable Wi-Fi hotspots at around 200 strategic locations across the city. “15-20% revenue generated through this citywide WiFi network will be shared with the authority”, Pune Municipal Commissioner Kunal Kumar told ET. Larsen &Toubro will install drop boxes and emergency boxes with WiFi hotspots, while Google will help them monetize the service ads.
Currently, Google offers free WiFi across more than 100 railway stations in India. The company wants to expand the WiFi presence beyond railway stations to places such as malls, cafes and universities.