Business of cyber cafes at PNBS affected post launch
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Vijayawada: The much-hyped WiFi connectivity by APSRTC at the Pundit Nehru Bus Station has only benefited those having WiFi supporting devices while for others it has become a burden of sorts. One can spot people browsing on their mobile phones or laptops at the PNBS but those who need internet connection for other works such as filling applications or getting important printout have to depend on the internet centres in and around the bus station. However, with the introduction of WiFi, the business of these cyber cafes has gone down and this has forced the café owners to hike the browsing charges. Earlier, what used to cost Rs 15 an hour has now been hiked to Rs 30 per hour.
Cyber cafes at the bus station are helpful not only for the passengers but people of Vijayawada too make use of them in emergency cases as they are open 24x7. “At any time one can rush to the bus station and get access to internet but after the introduction of WiFi, the charges at these centers have gone up,” said a passenger Satish.
Speaking on how the WiFi has affected their business, an owner of an internet kiosk said, “Our business has gone down after the introduction of WiFi. We are forced to hike charges since we get lesser number of customers now.”
Similarly, another internet center owner had to shut down his café temporarily. On the other hand, 'free internet' tag is not completely true as one gets only 30 minutes of free WiFi as complimentary per device and later users have to purchase recharge coupons available at the station at Rs 30 per 300 MB only usable at bus station premises.
( Source : dc )
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