Darjeeling’s famous promenade, Chowrasta, would soon become a Wi-Fi zone. Here’s how
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi stands for
Wireless Fidelity. It is a facility that allows digital devices within
a particular area to connect to the Internet and one another. The
technology is basic. A Wi-Fi network can be set up in a home within a
few minutes
When will Chowrasta become a Wi-Fi zone?
Sonam Bhutia, the
executive director in charge of the tourism department of the GTA, said
on Wednesday that Chowrasta could become a Wi-Fi zone in “two to three
weeks”
How will it be useful?
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
How will people access it?
Users have to enable Wi-Fi on their phone or laptop or tablet and click connect when their device finds the network
Will those with Internet on their phones benefit?
Yes, but the phone
must have Wi-Fi facility. The facility is available in most
smartphones. 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
How does my device get the Wi-Fi signal?
A basic Wi-Fi
network is set up using routers — a device that converts a wired
Internet connection into a wireless one. At Chowrasta, three routers
would be placed to cover the 300m radius
Will it be free for an unlimited duration?
Yes, GTA executive
Bhutia has said. There is a downside, though. If no time or data limit
is set for Wi-Fi Internet access, then people might start downloading
films and songs, thus slowing down the speed at which Internet is
available to others
What area will the Wi-Fi cover?
A radius of 300m will be Wi-Fi enabled at Chowrasta
Do Wi-Fi users at Chowrasta need to know a password?
No. 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
Are hotels in Darjeeling Wi-Fi-enabled?
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. (TT)