The famous Darjeeling Chowrasta could
become a Wi-Fi zone in “two to three weeks”. A Wi-Fi connection will provide
access to the Internet and all the benefits that it entails. For example, a
tourist from Calcutta without a return ticket might be able to buy a
Bagdogra-Calcutta ticket online sitting at the Mall without needing to find a
cyber café.
Users have to enable Wi-Fi on their phone
or laptop or tablet and click connect when their device finds the network. If
Wi-Fi is available, tourists will not have to use the data connection on their
phones. This should help tourists because data on roaming can be quite costly.
The GTA has not specified the speed for the service yet
At Chowrasta, three routers would be placed
to cover the 300m radius. It will be a free service for an unlimited duration. One can log in without a password. A password
is required in places where the network is secured. In public spaces, such as
some airports, Wi-Fi may be accessed without any password.
Some hotels and restaurants in Darjeeling
are Wi-Fi enabled. Many residences, too, are Wi-Fi enabled. However, no public
space in Darjeeling, the whole of north Bengal and Sikkim is Wi-Fi enabled.