While India is becoming an extremely tech-focused country, there are millions upon millions of people in the country who don't have access to the Internet.
Google is attempting to fix that, however, and has announced it will be installing Wi-Fi hotspots in 400 train stations around India, with 100 of the busiest stations to get connected by the end of 2016.
"We'd like to help get these next billion Indians online so they can access the entire web, and all of its information and opportunity. And not just with any old connection – with fast broadband so they can experience the best of the web," said Google CEO Sundar Pichai in a blog post.
Google is promising Internet connections that can stream HD videos, seriously outclassing what most people in India are used to.
It's important to note that the gesture isn't totally selfless – it's also Google's response to competition. Microsoft has announced plans to bring Internet access to 500,000 Indian villages, and Facebook, of course, has Internet.org, now known as Free Basics. Not only that, but connecting people around the world will likely be a big money-maker for Google, which makes the bulk of its money from advertising.
The move could also help gain the favor of India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, especially at a time when government officials are worried about Google abusing its power in search.
The news comes a few days after Modi visited Silicon Valley, going both to Facebook's and Google's headquarters.
Via: Engadget
