Tamil Nadu to roll out Wi-Fi across government engineering, polytechnic colleges

CHENNAI: The Higher Education department has decided to roll out Wi-Fi connections across all state-run engineering and polytechnic colleges, replacing the existing internet connections to provide enhanced facilities for students.

There are currently 11 government engineering colleges and 54 polytechnic colleges in Tamil Nadu, and these institutions have been using internet connections without Wi-Fi facilities, a senior official from the Higher Education department noted.

"There were many requests from students, faculty members and administration staff in state-owned engineering and polytechnic colleges to provide Wi-Fi connection. So, it was decided to establish the latest Wi-Fi facility," the official told DT Next.

The students can access the new Wi-Fi on both laptops and mobile phones for varied academic purposes, the official said.

Stating that the colleges will be using the institution's development funds to facilitate Wi-Fi connectivity, the official said, "The internet facility will be available only in and around the college campus".

The students, faculty members, and administrative staff of the respective colleges will be provided with a common and secure password, and the Wi-Fi facility will be tailored to meet the bandwidth requirements of the beneficiaries. Depending on the changes in the requirements, the facility would be upgraded periodically, the official said.

"More than 30,000 students will benefit from the internet connection, and the facility will also be extended to Arts and Science colleges besides vocational institutions," the official said.

The official stated that the Wi-Fi internet connection will be properly maintained, especially during the monsoon season, to ensure an uninterrupted internet supply to the students and other beneficiaries. "The internet usage of each beneficiary will also be monitored," the official added.