In January 2017, Mumbai embarked on an ambitious journey to become the first Indian city with public Wi-Fi connectivity. This project, spearheaded by then-Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, aimed to provide free internet access across the city. The launch was met with much enthusiasm, as it promised to bridge the digital divide, especially for students and economically disadvantaged groups. The network initially boasted 510 hotspots, which expanded to 585 within a year, marking a significant milestone in Mumbai's digital infrastructure.
Shift in Government Priorities and Project Decline
Despite its promising start, the project's fate took a downturn in 2020. Succeeding governments did not prioritize the revival of this initiative, leading to its gradual obsolescence. State IT department officials have since deemed the project unnecessary, citing the dramatic decrease in internet service costs by telecom companies. This evolution in the market dynamics has, according to them, reduced the need for a state-sponsored free Wi-Fi service, which was once seen as a critical step towards digital inclusivity.
Financial Implications and Operational Challenges
The project's financial blueprint included an investment of ₹194 crore over five years. However, the change in government leadership saw a shift in focus, resulting in the project's stagnation. The installed infrastructure of around 600 hotspots has significantly deteriorated over the past three years, raising concerns about the effective utilization of public funds. An RTI inquiry shed light on the financial aspects, revealing that the state government had paid around ₹25 crore till August 2019 to key collaborators, including Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
Possible Revival on the Horizon
Hindustan Times reported that despite the current state of dormancy, there might be a glimmer of hope for the Wi-Fi project. Devendra Fadnavis, now serving as the deputy chief minister in Eknath Shinde's government, has expressed a potential interest in reviving the initiative. His statement, "I will look into it for sure," offers a possibility that this once-celebrated project might see a resurgence, bringing back the vision of a digitally connected Mumbai. As the city waits, the future of this ambitious project hangs in the balance, with potential implications for Mumbai's digital landscape.
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