Indian Airports: Free Wifi Access For All?

Many Indian airports offer free Wi-Fi services to passengers, with varying limitations on usage and connectivity. While some airports provide unlimited data, others impose restrictions based on time or data allowances. Notably, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, and Kempegowda International Airport in Bangalore are among the top Indian airports offering free Wi-Fi services. However, it is important to be cautious when using free Wi-Fi, as these networks may not always be secure, and personal information could be at risk.

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi provides free Wi-Fi across all of its terminals. To connect to the Wi-Fi, turn on your device's Wi-Fi and select the network 'IGI Connect' or 'GMR Free Wi-Fi'. You will then be prompted to enter your mobile number and an OTP (one-time passcode). Finally, use the OTP to set a four-digit numeric pin to access the high-speed free Wi-Fi. This service is available 24/7 through an impaneled service provider.

It is important to note that, as of 2018, international flyers with international SIM cards were unable to access free Wi-Fi at Indian airports. This is due to security measures implemented by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), which requires public wireless network users to be verified through OTPs. However, it is unclear whether this restriction still stands, and it is recommended to check the current regulations before your travel.

If you encounter any issues with your Wi-Fi connection, you can contact the Wi-Fi team at the Information Kiosk for assistance.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai

The airport offers free Wi-Fi across both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. To access the service, connect to the network named 'CSI Airport'. However, there have been criticisms of the Wi-Fi service, with complaints that it is ineffective and complicated to access for international passengers. This is because an Indian phone number is required to receive an OTP to access the free service, which only lasts for 45 minutes before users have to purchase data packs. This has caused issues for international travellers, who make up a significant proportion of the airport's users.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has two terminals, one for domestic flights and one for both domestic and international flights. Terminal 1, locally known as Santacruz Airport, is primarily used by low-cost carriers. Terminal 2, inaugurated on 1 January 2014, is located at Sahar Village in Vile Parle East. It was designed by Aéroports de Paris and covers an area of 450,000 square metres across four floors, handling both domestic and international passengers.

The airport is operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a joint venture between Adani Enterprises and the Airports Authority of India. It is strategically located across the suburbs of Santacruz and Sahar Village in Vile Parle East, offering modern facilities such as lounges, dining options, and shopping outlets.

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad

Wi-Fi at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad

Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, India, offers free Wi-Fi to its passengers. The network name to connect to is HYD-Free-WiFi. However, it is important to note that the speed and quality of the connection may differ and may not always be reliable.

To connect to the free Wi-Fi at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, passengers will need to switch on their Wi-Fi, select the HYD-Free-WiFi network, and enter their mobile number and a one-time password (OTP). They will then need to set a four-digit numeric pin to access the Wi-Fi.

While the majority of Indian airports do offer free Wi-Fi services, there have been complaints from international passengers about the lack of access for those without local mobile numbers or international roaming packs. This has caused inconvenience for travellers facing flight delays and long layovers.

It is always a good idea to check with the airport about the availability and any restrictions on their Wi-Fi service. Additionally, it is important to be cautious of the security risks associated with using free Wi-Fi networks in airports, as they may not always be secured.

For better network connectivity, users can try relocating their spot, using a VPN for added security, and ensuring they have identified the correct network name to avoid scams. Installing antivirus software can also provide protection when using public Wi-Fi networks.

Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore

Bangalore Airport, also known as Kempegowda International Airport, offers free Wi-Fi services to all its passengers. The network name is BLR Free Wi-Fi. However, there is a time limit of 45 minutes on the free service, after which passengers can opt for paid Wi-Fi at nominal rates.

To access the free Wi-Fi, passengers must go through an OTP verification process, which requires a local mobile number or an international roaming pack. This restriction has been implemented by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for security reasons. Unfortunately, this has caused inconvenience for international passengers without local SIM cards or roaming packs, who are unable to access the internet during flight delays and long layovers.

To address this issue, Bangalore International Airport Ltd (BIAL) has developed the BLR Airport mobile application, which allows passengers to access free Wi-Fi for two hours without an OTP. However, the app is not iOS compatible, which is a problem as most international travellers use iOS devices.

For those who are unable to access the free Wi-Fi, there are other options available. The airport has a variety of retail, food and beverage options, as well as lounges where passengers can unwind. Outside the terminal, there are dining and shopping options, and live music can be enjoyed at The Quad by BLR near arrivals.

Cochin International Airport, Kochi

Cochin International Airport in Kochi, India, offers free Wi-Fi to its passengers. The airport consists of two commercial terminals, T1 and T3, which handle domestic and international flights, respectively. While the airport does provide free Wi-Fi, there are some limitations and requirements that users should be aware of.

Firstly, the free Wi-Fi at Cochin Airport is limited to 30 minutes. This may be sufficient for checking emails, sending messages, or browsing the web, but users requiring extended access may need to explore alternative options.

Secondly, to access the Wi-Fi, users will need to connect to the network named "CIAL Free Wi-Fi." Additionally, a local mobile number is required to receive an OTP (one-time password) for signing up and connecting to the network. This can be an issue for international travellers without Indian SIM cards. However, a Wi-Fi desk is available to assist passengers in obtaining their OTPs, regardless of their cellphone SIM. It is recommended to visit the help desk or contact an agent for assistance if you encounter difficulties with the authentication process.

Cochin International Airport also offers a range of other facilities for travellers, including comfortable seating, lounges, duty-free shopping, cafes and eateries, luggage storage, medical services, and nearby hotels with free shuttle services.

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