The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has decided to launch free Wi-Fi facilities at 144 major bus stations in numerous cities across the state. A report in Deccan Herald states that the cities which will have this facility include Bengaluru, Hassan, Mandya, Mysuru, Madikeri, Dharmasthala, Mangaluru, Kundapur, Shivamogga, Harihar, Davangere, Tumakuru, Kolar and Chitradurga.

The daily adds that currently, Bengaluru has four bus stations where the pilot survey was conducted - Kempegowda (Majestic), Shanthinagar, Peenya and Mysuru Road. When the study is complete and all issues have been sorted out, the corporation will then start the free Wi-Fi facility in its 14 divisions.

Rajender Kumar Kataria, Managing Director, KSRTC, told the daily that KSRTC was the first public transport operator in India to provide free Wi-Fi in tier-1, 2 and 3 cities. He added that thousands of passengers will benefit from this everyday as they can connect with their family or surf the Internet. He was quoted as saying, “We provide access to our bus stations, while a private company is setting up the facility. We don’t pay anything as the company gets access to all areas of the bus station. It can earn revenue through advertisement and make up for the cost of establishment.”

The process to access free Wi-Fi is quite simple.

1. Enable Wi-Fi on your phone, tablet or laptop

2. Select ‘ION Wi-Fi’

3. Download the app called ‘FREE ION Wi-Fi’ from ION Network or Google Play

4. On iPhones, use browser to access login page. Else download the app from iStore

5. Enter your mobile number

6. You'll receive the password by SMS

7. Login with your password and you'll be connected

The daily adds that the Internet speed in the passenger waiting room, platforms and ticketing area is at 512 kbps. The first 60 minutes are free or 100MB is free whichever happens first. You can call 080-45114512/3 for any assistance.