Wi - Fi Hot Spot Service
Introduction     Availability     Tariff
Frequently Asked Questions

1.   What is Wi - Fi ?

Wi-Fi is the commonly used for Wireless Fidelity or Wireless Internet. It is a product compatibility standards for wireless local area networks (WLAN). Wi-Fi was intended to be used for mobile devices and LANs, but is now often used for Internet and wireless VoIP phone access. It enables a person with a wireless-enabled computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a wireless VoIP phone to connect to the Internet when in proximity of an access point. The geographical region covered by one or several access points is called a hotspot. It basically means that you can connect to the Internet without the need for any wires or cabling.

2.  Why should I use Wi - Fi  ?

This service is to be used for blistering speeds of Broadband along with freedom to move around and surf anywhere in the BSNL Wi-Fi zone. Your phone is not busy surf the web without worry to miss an important call at the same time no waiting to connect to net or busy signals, just click and you are online instantly and wirelessly.

3.  What is Hotspot  ?

The area around 50-100 meter radius where, wireless signals can be accessed by Wi-Fi enable device, such as Laptop and smart phone, is called Hotspot. It comprises three main components:
  •       Gateway Router
  •       Wireless access point
  •       Wi-Fi enable device
4.  Where Hotspot located  ?

Hotspots are categorized as Type A and Type B and are located at:
   Type A :   Such as Public places like Airports, Railway Stations, Educational Institute Campuses
                   etc.
   Type B :  Private owned public places like Hotels, Commercial Hubs, Institute/ 
                  Colleges / Libraries/Universities etc. 

5.  How do I use Wi - Fi  ?

To access Wi-Fi, you need to have a Wi-Fi enabled device (laptop or PDA). These devices can send and receive data wirelessly from any location equipped with Wi-Fi access. The data is transmitted over an RF signal from an 'Access Point' installed within a Wi-Fi Zone. Your laptop or PDA should have any Internet browser. You will need to purchase a BSNL, Wi-Fi prepaid scratch card, either from the hotel reception or BSNL kiosks. This prepaid card will allow you to access the BSNL Wi-Fi service through an exclusive username and password.

6.  How do the speeds on dial up and Wi - Fi compare ?

For a dial up connection, the maximum speed possible is 56 kbps. However if you are using Wi-Fi service, the hotels / airport are connected by a high speed & reliable backbone connection, which can handle upto 512 kbps of traffic. The Wi-Fi access devices are capable of supporting speeds of up to 11 mbps.

7.  What services can I access through Wi - Fi ?

You can access all applications riding on the Internet backbone.  With Wi - Fi speeds, you can also access broadband Internet applications like movies, music, E - Learning etc.

8.  Where can I access BSNL Wi - Fi ?

BSNL has introduced WiFi service at City Centre and Airport ( Domestic and International ) are the first BSNL WiFi hotspots in Kolkata. Shortly there shall be 10 BSNL WiFi Hotspots in select hotels and Clubs within August' 2006.

9.  Where can I buy the BSNL Wi - Fi card ?

The BSNL Wi - Fi card is available for purpose at the location where the BSNL Wi - Fi service is available.  Type A cards are available at BSNL info counter of Hotspot and Type B cards will be available at select counters.