<p>There was much hype in the media that it would steal a march over Delhi Metro in providing free WiFi connectivity in the trains. <br /><br />But a month and a day after its launch, all that stands belied. Passengers, who were trying to connect to the internet on their smart phones and laptops, were a disappointed lot. <br /><br />A few said that their phones did detect a network named ‘snowrail’. None could, however, connect to this network both on the platforms and inside the trains.<br /><br />When BMRCL spokesperson, B S Chavan, was asked what exactly had happened to the much-hyped WiFi, he said: “People are using it in the trains. Many bring their laptops and connect to the Internet.”<br /><br />“Anyone can carry their Airtel or Docomo modem, plug it into their laptop and go online,” he added.</p>.<p><br />The basic understanding of a WiFi was lacking in his reply and he failed to give a clear answer as to why people could not detect a free wireless network on their phones when they were travelling. <br /><br />According to railwaytechnology.com, the WiFi on rail carriages involves multiple Wireless Access Points (WAPs), along the train, to provide complete coverage. <br /><br />WAPs use a combination of satellite and cellular phone links to provide complete, uninterrupted coverage throughout the journey, even while passing through tunnels. <br /><br />The website also mentions that even the London Underground Metro struggles to provide free and secured WiFi connectivity to its passengers.<br /><br />When this information was put across to an official at one of the stations, he said: “None of these exist. This means there was no possibility of a WiFi connection since the very beginning.” <br /><br />Cost cutting?<br /><br />BMRCL is, perhaps, looking to keep the operational costs down from the estimated Rs 6.5 lakh, by not providing free WiFi connectivity for now.<br /><br />Also, it is a common feature for Namma Metro to switch the air-conditioning off during many of its trips. Many regular passengers told Deccan Herald that during non-peak hours in the morning and night, the train feels stuffy as there is no air-conditioning or any other form of ventilation.<br /><br />Delhiites can, thus, heave a sigh of relief that Bangalore Metro is yet to overtake them in WiFi connectivity.</p>
<p>There was much hype in the media that it would steal a march over Delhi Metro in providing free WiFi connectivity in the trains. <br /><br />But a month and a day after its launch, all that stands belied. Passengers, who were trying to connect to the internet on their smart phones and laptops, were a disappointed lot. <br /><br />A few said that their phones did detect a network named ‘snowrail’. None could, however, connect to this network both on the platforms and inside the trains.<br /><br />When BMRCL spokesperson, B S Chavan, was asked what exactly had happened to the much-hyped WiFi, he said: “People are using it in the trains. Many bring their laptops and connect to the Internet.”<br /><br />“Anyone can carry their Airtel or Docomo modem, plug it into their laptop and go online,” he added.</p>.<p><br />The basic understanding of a WiFi was lacking in his reply and he failed to give a clear answer as to why people could not detect a free wireless network on their phones when they were travelling. <br /><br />According to railwaytechnology.com, the WiFi on rail carriages involves multiple Wireless Access Points (WAPs), along the train, to provide complete coverage. <br /><br />WAPs use a combination of satellite and cellular phone links to provide complete, uninterrupted coverage throughout the journey, even while passing through tunnels. <br /><br />The website also mentions that even the London Underground Metro struggles to provide free and secured WiFi connectivity to its passengers.<br /><br />When this information was put across to an official at one of the stations, he said: “None of these exist. This means there was no possibility of a WiFi connection since the very beginning.” <br /><br />Cost cutting?<br /><br />BMRCL is, perhaps, looking to keep the operational costs down from the estimated Rs 6.5 lakh, by not providing free WiFi connectivity for now.<br /><br />Also, it is a common feature for Namma Metro to switch the air-conditioning off during many of its trips. Many regular passengers told Deccan Herald that during non-peak hours in the morning and night, the train feels stuffy as there is no air-conditioning or any other form of ventilation.<br /><br />Delhiites can, thus, heave a sigh of relief that Bangalore Metro is yet to overtake them in WiFi connectivity.</p>