Free WiFi now on local buses

Transport companies are expanding free WiFi services for the passengers of city buses, although a government initiative that hit the market two years back is now inactive.

Bus passengers can now enjoy free WiFi on their journey from Mirpur to Motijheel, and Azimpur to Gazipur, along with several other long routes.

In April 2014, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) introduced WiFi on 20 of its buses, though most are now inactive. Passengers on the Motijheel-Uttara route of the BRTC said they are not getting the service.

Mobile phone and WiMax operators have recently introduced the service in collaboration with some bus companies and users have expressed satisfaction over the service.

Four months back, 52 Paribahan Ltd started offering free WiFi services in twelve mini buses, for which they are spending an additional Tk 1 lakh a month in operational expenses, said Md Palash, a director of the company.

“We saw that some passengers use the WiFi service for their office work while they are travelling,” said Palash.

They also adopted vehicle tracking technologies through which they are able to detect the location of their buses anytime. The company is soon going to introduce CCTV cameras to ensure security on their buses.

The transport company took the internet service from WiMax operator Qubee. It allocates 30GB bandwidth a month to a bus with a capacity of 20-25 passengers, said Rahat Mahmood, a deputy general manager of the company.

“We need to limit the speed and check the balance so that users cannot go for huge downloads,” he added.

Commuters mostly use Facebook and other social networking sites, he said.

“The traffic situation is so intolerable that this service gives us some respite,” said Jamil Mahmud, a passenger on Paltan-Kazipara route.

Mobile phone operator Grameenphone began the service on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar and Dhaka-Sylhet routes of Green Line Paribahan last year.

Robi introduced the WiFi service on Dhaka-Gazipur route, and also for Dhaka University buses. The mobile operator launched WiFi for the passengers of taxi cabs as well, according to Ekram Kabir, one of its vice presidents.

“More and more people feel the need to be connected to communicate with their near and dear ones, correspond for business and personal purposes, keep up with the activities of their friends on social media platforms and most importantly, be updated with news items,” said Kabir.

A connected person is a productive person and productivity should not come to a standstill even in the most unproductive hours, he added.

Robi also serve Hanif Paribahan and Shyamoli Paribahan and five other transport companies.

Two years ago, the government first introduced the service for the passengers of BRTC buses, but none of the buses offers the service now.

BRTC Chairman Mizanur Rahman said they still provide the service but there could be some disruption due to maintenance.