The expanded public Wi-Fi facility is expected to become operational in September and will provide users with up to 45 minutes of free Internet access every day. Under the project, Marina Beach will receive 75 new Wi-Fi poles, while 20 will be installed at Besant Nagar and 10 at Tiruvanmiyur through Airtel. The expansion comes amid concerns over the poor performance of several existing public Wi-Fi facilities in the city. The GCC introduced Wi-Fi smart poles at 49 locations in 2021, allowing users 30 minutes of free Internet access following OTP verification. Sameeran said 38 Wi-Fi poles are currently being maintained by ACT Fibernet and Reliance Jio along Marina and Besant Nagar beaches.