Kohima gets more upgrades, this time it’s free Wi-fi

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Nov. 30 (EMN): In what may seem as dream come true for internet users in capital town Kohima, free wi-fi services for denizens in Kohima was inaugurated on Saturday by Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, advisor for Urban Development & Municipal Affairs.

The first phase of the wi-fi service was launched as part of the Kohima Smart City Mission, at the RCEMPA in Jotsoma. The project was implemented by the Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL), in collaboration with the Information Technology department.

The chief executive officer of the KDSCL, Kovi Meyase, said the project is a momentous occasion for ‘everyone.’ Out of 65 projects that are part of the Kohima Smart city project, providing wi-fi was one. In the first phase, about 30 locations will be covered, he added.

The places identified for phase-I of the services include Kohima Science College, PHQ, BOC, The Heritage, Law College, Phool Bhari, Local ground, Razhü Point, Secretariat area, and Mission Compound, he said.

During the inauguration of the amenity, the wi-fi service was switched-on for the first time, for the Kohima Science College area. The service, he said will be made available by the first week of December, he added.

IT consultant Yanpvuo Kikon said the first phase is a pilot project. If successful, ‘We will roll out the services in other areas.’ Interactive kiosks will also be installed at the PHQ junction and at Phool Bhari, he informed.

The advisor for Information Technology, Science and Technology, Mmhonlumo Kikon, also addressed the programme. He said it was the chief minister who suggested the idea for wi-fi services a year ago. Accordingly, he announced to the gathering at the Nagaland Innovation Expo at the Kohima Science College that the government will be providing free Wi-fi hotspots in Kohima starting from the college.

The advisor expressed happiness that the aspiration could be realised in one year.

“Today is a symbolic occasion where the two departments have come together, collaborated and have successfully launched this project which will provide our citizens and tourists with additional internet access in addition to existing network providers,” he said.

The advisor said the service envisages providing cheap internet access to citizens and tourists. It will enable them to access information and services using their mobile phones and laptops. This will help students and scholars to effectively use the internet to learn and amass global knowledge and expertise, he said.

Further, the service will enable entrepreneurs to learn new skills, business ideas, strategies and also access global market by using e-commerce platforms to sell local products to a global market, he said. As for tourists who arrive without SIM cards can access internet when required.

Overall, the service will become an enabling platform for Smart City with innovative smart solutions, besides allowing government services to reach more citizens and achieve cost and efficiency savings.

“Today is just the first phase of this greater vision of turning Kohima into a wi-fi powered city thus enabling our society to become a digitally empowered society which in turn will realize our goal to become an e-Democracy,” he said.