Wi Fi's in the air

Wi-Fi services will be de-licensed as part of the government's broadband policy. At present, access to Wi-Fi services is restricted to campuses and closed units like offices, airports and schools. This can mean massive mushrooming of hotspots around India. Eventually, it can mean 100 percent internet access to any laptop holder with wireless technology.

Thanks to the computerization of the Wireless Planning and Co-ordination Committee, measures to streamline the frequency allocation system and other clearances seem to be in the pipeline. There is some relief coming the VSAT operators' way too. The Government has decided to exclude the profits from the sale of hardware when to determining the license fee. However, the open sky policy for VSAT companies, suggested by TRAI, has been grounded, and that may prove a blow to the VSAT.

- Mumbai Bureau