New Delhi: Free water, 24X7 "affordable" power supply and free Wi-Fi played a vital role in the landslide victory of Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi Assembly elections.
Delhiites were joyous to know that they will get free Wi-Fi connections all over city but the reality behind the plan reveals a different aspect of the promises made by the party during election campaign.
Earlier it was expected that the Wi-Fi connection will be free and easily accessible. But the truth is something different. Even though the party has already started working in this direction, it seems that they are not sure what they are actually going to offer to people.
The party also intends to launch a mobile application for the security of women, who can press the button when in distress and seek police help. It also wants to make internet an important medium of governance and a free WiFi service will help execute the party's plan.
Here is the reality check of 'free Wi-Fi' promise made by Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi Assembly Elections:
1. Is actually Wi-Fi free?
Well, the answer is yes and no. It is expected that the public websites will be free to access but if you are willing to download a movie or watch video on YouTube then that may make a hole in your pocket. The Wi-Fi will be free for limited period of time, most probably 15-30 mins and after that it may have nominal charges.
2. What will it cost and how long will it take?
Making entire city a Wi-Fi zone may not cost high if the process is executed in proper manner. As per AAP MLA Adarsh Shastri, the project may cost around 250 crores. The party has already started working on ground level to implement the promise made by them during polls.
AAP MLA Adarsh Shastri says it will take at least six months to start Wi-Fi service in Delhi. The party is in talks with Facebook and other IT companies to make Delhi a tech savvy city with free internet.
3. Will it cover entire Delhi?
Yes, the entire Delhi will come under Wi-Fi zone. But that doesn't not mean that you can connect it where ever you go. It may be possible that the only public zones will be under Wi-Fi influence. Different hotspots will be created in the city so that people may easily access the facility provided by the State government.
4. Will it really help women safety?
In the AAP manifesto it is already mentioned that ready to access Wi-Fi will help the victim of an assault to reach out for help. Since the Wi-Fi will be limited to certain public zones, we are not sure how it will actually help in the betterment of women safety. The number of crimes is high in the area where even mobile signals are difficult to find.
5. Why free Wi-Fi?
As per AAP's manifesto, the free Wi-Fi will help hugely in bridging the digital divide. It will also provide "impetus to education, entrepreneurship, business, employment and also tie in with women's safety initiatives".
