PMC Starts "Unwiring" Pune
By CXOtoday Staff
Mumbai, Apr 2, 2007

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) along with Intel India and Microsense, today launched the initiation of deployment of the "Unwire Pune" project. Through this initiative, PMC proposes to make Pune a 'wireless city' that will provide fast network access to from the private, corporate and administrative sectors.

Intel India was selected as the chief technology and program management consultant by PMC in 2006 to architect the project ; and have today started Phase-1 deployments with Microsense. Microsense is the selected service provider who will roll out the network and offer broadband wireless services.

Phase 1 of the "Unwire Pune" project will provide wireless connectivity to an area of 20 sq kms, covering Deccan Gymkhana, Sambhaji Park, Aundh, Baner and Model Colony in the city. Starting today, users can experience seamless connectivity in Sambhaji Park and the PMC Building.

This first phase is likely to be completed in 4 - 6 months and the entire project of 250 sq km of PMC, will be rolled out in an evolutionary manner over the next 12 - 18 months.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Nitin Kareer, Commissioner of PMC said, "PMC is happy and proud to make Pune the 1(superscript: st) city in the country to be unwired. We have worked to identify the right technology option and partners - Intel and Microsense, to actualize the digital revolution in the city of Pune." He added, "As much as providing basic facilities such as drinking water supply, sewerage, power, roads, etc, PMC would like to provide basic IT infrastructure such as stable internet connectivity to its citizens and also offer compelling business and cost models to attract and sustain major ISP businesses in Pune".

"Intel believes that this endeavour "Unwiring Pune" is a significant leap in making broadband ubiquitous connectivity, accessible to the common man. Demonstrating how technologies transform communities and people's lives; this project will enable better education, healthcare, agricultural productivity and income; while improving small business and e-government access. This is a momentous announcement as we continue to scale and deliver on our vision of World Ahead. We look forward to a continued strong association with PMC", said Mr. R. Sivakumar, Managing Director, Intel (South Asia).

"This is a very momentous occasion, a harbinger of how new wireless technologies can make possible significant changes to our country. This is also the first time that a city corporation is facilitating such a service. We look forward to the full participation and involvement of the people of Pune to make the initiative a success, said Mr.S. Kailasanathan, Managing Director, Microsense.