Red carpet for JIO in educational institutions

Thrissur: The Union Human Resource Development ministry has served another jolt to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) by opening doors to Reliance JIO to develop technical infrastructure in educational institutions as the government-run operator reeling without 4G services.

The inclination to JIO became evident as the telcom service giant was empanelled for the third quarter of the technical education quality development project run under the department.

The department issued an order containing several liberal terms including permission for branding of JIO in educational institutions.

The format for the memorandum to be signed with JIO is also enclosed with the order which  order states that the project aims at 'modern digital campus with Wi-Fi system'.  The 'TEQIP-3 Wi-Fi plan' being rolled out features of one GB data per day for Rs. 100 per month. For this, the institution should enter into a contract with JIO.

The institution should supply electricity at its own expense. Details of faculties and employees should be handed over along with the total amount collected from each user at a rate of Rs. 100 at month end.  If the amount due is higher than Rs. 100, it shall be paid to JIO directly by the user. Space should be allotted without rent to keep the equipment and for JIO employees for their use.

Another condition lays down that display of the 'Reliance JIO' should be permitted. The broadband network of JIO and National Knowledge Network will be connected.

JIO is also free to offer other services to the institutions. The order also directs the institutions to suggest a nodal officer and a link officer to make services of JIO easy.