Mysorean

An article from ToI quotes Mysore going completely wi-fi:

This 'dream' became a reality due to three entrepreneurs.The story goes that three men — Shankar Prasad, Srikanth V Rao and G Saravanan — having worked for some of the most well-known software companies, decided to help Mysoreans connect better. They started a company called WiFiyNet with their own investment.

The initiative was clickstarted in August 2004 by putting up the first access point (also known as hot spot) in Jayalakshmipuram, an upmarket area in Mysore.

Today, the city has three access points. And with this 2.4 GHz (frequency of transmission) Wi-Fi connectivity, Mysore became a true hot spot.

"By paying Rs 750 a month, irrespective of the kind of data download, internet is available round the clock. Currently, we provide 128-kbps speeds. Our technology is 54-mbps-enabled; hence, we can even take it to the extent of providing IP television," says Prasad.

This is Mysore for you. There was a t-shirt that was made by one of the hostels in Mysore which had the caption, "We handle both tradition and technology" with the picture of a brahmin holding a computer with one hand and a mangalaarthi plate in the other! I thought this fitted perfectly to Mysore as a whole.

Mysore, considered to be sleepy, has taken a giant step towards technology. There are very few cities even in the developed country - USA which are connected wirelessly. It reminds many people of the way Bangalore looked 20 years back. I just hope it doesn't become another Bangalore!

We need to thank people like: Shankar, Srikanth and Saravanan who have made this possible. This is the way individuals can make a difference to the country. Thanks to you from a Mysorean!

Tomorrow: Blogging daily