Bhubaneswar Wi-Fi Project Sees Low Engagement Despite Heavy Investment

Bhubaneswar: The ‘Bhubaneswar Me’ Wi-Fi project, launched during the previous government’s tenure to provide free internet access to citizens, has recorded limited usage across most parts of the city despite significant expenditure.

Under the initiative, 515 hotspots with 1,601 access points have been installed, each offering speeds up to 30 Mbps and 1 GB of free daily data per user. The project cost between ₹10 and ₹12 crore, while monthly operational expenses are around ₹3 lakh. Yet, engagement has remained low except in select areas like Baramunda bus stand, where commuters use the service, and Santhakabi Bhimabhoi Library in Bapuji Nagar, frequented by students preparing for competitive exams.

To make the network more effective, Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) is considering relocating underutilised hotspots to crowded parks and public gathering spots. Plans are also underway to extend the facility to nine higher education institutions, including Utkal University, Rama Devi Women’s University, and BJB Autonomous College, with surveys already conducted in collaboration with BSNL.

Authorities have further identified that digital payment disruptions during fairs and exhibitions are caused by heavy mobile network traffic. To address this, Wi-Fi hotspots are being installed at key venues like Unit-3 Exhibition Ground and Janata Maidan to support smoother UPI transactions.

Between August 15 and 31, usage statistics showed 27,420 users accessed the service, consuming 6,801 GB of data — with downloads at 5,966.64 GB and uploads at 834.02 GB. On average, about 1,600 users log in daily, consuming nearly 400 GB of data.

The planned expansion is expected to enhance accessibility and improve the overall utility of the city’s public Wi-Fi system.