Through this initiative, PMC proposes to make Pune a 'wireless city' which will provide untethered fast network access to users from the private, corporate and administrative sectors, while catapulting Pune as the innovative and progressive hub of the information age.
Intel India was selected as the chief technology and program management consultant by PMC in 2006 to architect the project; and now have started Phase-1 deployments with Microsense. Microsense is the selected service provider who will roll out the network and offer broadband wireless services.
The deployment target under Phase-1 of the "Unwire Pune" project is to provide wireless connectivity to an area of 20 sq. kms, covering Deccan Gymkhana, Sambhaji Park, Aundh, Baner and Model Colony in the city. This first phase is likely to be completed in 4-6 months and the entire project of 250 sq. km of PMC, will be rolled out in an evolutionary manner over the next 12-18 months. This will result in round-the-clock seamless (ubiquitous) Internet connectivity, available throughout the city. Immeditaely, people can experience seamless connectivity in Sambhaji Park and the PMC Building.
The vision of "Unwiring Pune" is to deliver an easy, seamless Internet connectivity solution to citizens, businesses, municipalities and academic institutions. Citizens can now enjoy broadband in their homes, offices, schools and public areas whether this is for personal, business or public service usage, instead of being tied to offices, homes or individual hotspots, people would have fast convenient access to information, and each other, from virtually any corner of their community. This standard-based wireless communication network infrastructure (wireless broadband connectivity) can enable technologies to facilitate better education, healthcare, agricultural productivity and income for the city; while improving small business and e-government access."
Nitin Kareer, commissioner of PMC, said, "PMC is happy and proud to make Pune the 1st city in the country to be unwired. We have worked to identify the right technology option and partners - Intel and Microsense, to actualize the digital revolution in the city of Pune. As much as providing basic facilities such as drinking water supply, sewerage, power, roads, etc, PMC would like to provide basic IT infrastructure such as stable Internet connectivity to its citizens and also offer compelling business and cost models to attract and sustain major ISP businesses in Pune."
"Intel believes that this endeavor -- 'Unwiring Pune' -- is a significant leap in making broadband ubiquitous connectivity, accessible to the common man. Demonstrating how technologies transform communities and people's lives; this project will enable better education, healthcare, agricultural productivity and income; while improving small business and e-government access. 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," said R. Sivakumar, managing director, Intel (South Asia).
"This is a very momentous occasion, a harbinger of how new wireless technologies can make possible significant changes to our country. This is also the first time that a city corporation is facilitating such a service. We look forward to the full participation and involvement of the people of Pune to make the initiative a success," said S. Kailasanathan, managing director, Microsense, a provider of Wi-Fi services in India.
Photo of a street in Pune, India by Benutzer Neitram . GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2
