The city’s flagship public Wi-Fi initiative, Bhubaneswar Me, is set for a major upgrade as authorities prepare to expand coverage to universities, colleges, parks, and high-footfall public spaces. The move comes after a review found that the current network was underutilized at several existing hotspots.
Launched under the previous government to provide free internet access to citizens, the project currently operates through 515 hotspots and 1,601 access points, delivering speeds of up to 30 Mbps and 1 GB of free data per user per day.
Limited Usage Prompts Rethink
Despite an initial investment of around ₹10–12 crore and a recurring monthly cost of nearly ₹3 lakh, user engagement has been concentrated in a few locations — including Baramunda Bus Stand and the Santhakabi Bhimabhoi Library.
To maximize reach and ensure public funds are well-utilized, Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) is now relocating underutilized hotspots and installing new ones at parks, educational institutions, and busy marketplaces.
Students & Digital Payments to Benefit
A senior BSCL official confirmed that surveys, conducted in collaboration with BSNL, have identified nine key campuses for the next phase of coverage — including Utkal University, Rama Devi Women’s University, and BJB Autonomous College.
Students preparing for competitive exams are expected to be the primary beneficiaries. Authorities also cited a practical benefit: during major events and fairs, mobile networks get congested, affecting UPI transactions. To prevent this, hotspots will be added at Unit-3 Exhibition Ground, Janata Maidan, and other event venues, enabling smoother digital payments.
Usage Data & Expectations
Between August 15 and 31, 27,420 users consumed nearly 6,801 GB of data on the network. Daily usage averaged 1,600 users and 400 GB of data, but BSCL anticipates a sharp rise once Wi-Fi is made available at educational and recreational hubs.
Officials stressed that the expansion is aimed at making the project more financially viable and socially impactful, aligning services with real demand and ensuring equitable digital access for Bhubaneswar’s citizens.
