By Staff
Thursday, October 23 2003 09:20 AM
URL: http://www.zdnetasia.com/news/hardware/0,39042972,39155725,00.htm

A lake in North India famous for its tourist houseboats has become one large wireless hot spot.

A Times of India report called Lake Dal in the state of Kashmir "the first Wi-Fi enabled lake in the country, and perhaps the world".

Tourists flock to the picturesque lake for its rustic tranquility, but those who prefer to stay connected can now also browse the Web and check email while afloat on native houseboats, said the report.

The 802.11b wireless LAN coverage of the lake has been set up by Chennai-based provider Dax Networks and will be officially launched Nov. 1 by Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed.

Dax spent around US$13,000 setting up the network to promote the firm's technical abilities. Following Dal, which was set up for free by Dax, the firm plans to interest the state government in paying for Wi-Fi coverage in three more lakes in the area: Nainital, Hussein Sagar and Kodaikanal.

There were tough technical hurdles Dax had to overcome in providing seamless coverage across the 11.05 sq km Dal, said a spokesman. Most office-grade Wi-Fi access points provide a reliable coverage zone only 100 meters in diameter.

Coverage will be available all year except during winter months: Snow blocks Wi-Fi coverage, said a Dax spokesman. However he added that it wasn't a major concern because there are few tourists in winter anyway, said the report.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir, well-known for its mountains, lakes and carpets, has seen tourism levels drop sharply in recent years as a result of violence from separatist rebels.