Delhi-based start-up i2e1 has announced the launch of Public Data Offices (PDO) across India as part of the Government of India’s PM-WANI initiative. These are public internet kiosks that are equipped with WiFi technology and can offer broadband connectivity to their subscribers.
The Government of India has taken this initiative to provide affordable and reliable access to the Internet to millions of people in India to enable them to acquire new skills and pursue education. Each PDO will be designed to function in the same manner as the PCO (Public Communications Office) booths.
With each PDO, subscribers can enjoy high-speed Internet access at speeds up to 50 Mbps without data limits or registration. The start-up has established India’s first PDO in Kusumpur Pahadi, a low-income area south of Delhi. The subscription costs Rs. 5 per day.
Any retailer can also become a PDO for 250 rupees per month. i2e1 will extend the technology to other retailers in the future, with a goal of having over a million Wi-Fi hotspots in India.
