Pune: Public Wi-Fi Service Stalls After Contract Termination, PMC Promises Resolution
Pune, 18th February 2025: Pune’s public Wi-Fi service, launched by the Pune Smart City initiative in 2018 with great anticipation, has come to a halt, affecting residents and visitors alike. The Wi-Fi, which was made available at key public locations, including the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) headquarters, ceased operations last week, leaving citizens unable to access the service.
Originally introduced at 150 locations, the initiative aimed to provide free internet access to promote digital literacy across the city. According to PMC officials, the service allowed users to access 50 MB of free data at a speed of 512 kbps after logging in with their mobile number. Public parks, tourist attractions, and several government offices were equipped with this Wi-Fi system.
The termination of the service has caused inconvenience, particularly at PMC headquarters, where visitors are unable to complete tasks due to the absence of Wi-Fi. “The service was particularly beneficial for students preparing for competitive exams like UPSC and MPSC, as well as college students who needed internet access for their studies,” said a local resident who frequently used the service.
A senior PMC official explained, “The PMC had signed a contract with a private firm to provide the Wi-Fi service, but that contract was recently terminated. As a result, the service has been stopped for now.”
Ganesh Sonune, another senior official from PMC, assured the public that the administration is actively working on resolving the issue. “The civic administration is looking into the matter, and the process to appoint a new service provider is underway. Once a new contract is finalized, public Wi-Fi will be available again,” he stated.
The public Wi-Fi initiative was part of PMC’s broader goal to transform Pune into a fully digital city, where every citizen is digitally literate and connected. The suspension of the service has raised concerns among those who relied on it for daily activities, and the civic body has promised a swift resolution to restore the facility.
