GOOGLE STATION

US networking giant Cisco is collaborating with Google for its ‘gStation’ offering that provides access to free and high-speed WiFi at public locations across the country.

Google Station is a Google service that allows partners to roll out Wi-Fi hotspots in public places by providing software and advice on hardware to turn fiber connections into Wi-Fi.

It was only implemented in India and Indonesia but in March 2018, the service was launched in Mexico

Google Station seeks to provide "fast Wi-Fi for everyone". It also highlights that data will be "safe and protected" on Google's network. As it envisions expanding the offering, potential partners include "large venues and organizations, network operators, fiber providers, system integrators, and infrastructure companies".

Google Station's advantages include being a simple, easy-to-use solution (both for users as well as partners) that also offers monetization opportunities through advertising (Google Station calls itself "an advertising platform, backed by a world-class advertising sales team and network").

INDIA

Under the partnership, Cisco is providing the network infrastructure and about 25 locations already live in Bengaluru and another 200 locations will go live in the next 2-3 months in the city.

These locations include public spaces like bus stops, hospitals and government offices among others. Post that, it will be extended to 300 more locations in Bengaluru, and more cities in the country as well. This is a global partnership and India is the first country.

The project is being rolled out in partnership with D-VoiS – an Internet service provider in Bengaluru. The next locations being looked at include outskirts of Delhi, and few cities in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

The success of digitisation and digital citizen services is closely tied to the proliferation of high-speed internet. The partnership represents a significant growth opportunity as the demand for public Wi-Fi hotspots is expected to go up by 100X over the next three years.

Google, through ‘gStation’, provides WiFi services in public locations in partnership with various entities. Google Station is currently at close to 1,000 locations in India and has over eight million monthly active users across India.

Apart from India, Google has taken the Google Station model to other countries like Indonesia, Nigeria, Thailand and Mexico as well.