Wi-Max technology-based Internet will soon be available at railway stations like New Delhi and Bangalore, courtesy Railtel, the telecom subsidiary of the railway ministry.

Railtel has entered into an agreement with US-based Pronto Services, which will create facilities at 50 railway stations through Wi-Max technology.

Wi-max technology (worldwide interoperability for microwave access) is an advanced version of the Wireless Fidelity or Wi-Fi technology, as it can provide broadband facility to a larger area, from 5 km to 10 km. With Wi-Fi, the range is limited to 100-200 metres.

Within a year, Railtel officials say 50 stations will be equipped with this facility.

Under the pact, which was finalised earlier this month, Railtel will provide its towers and optic fibre cable network while Pronto will set up the Wi-Max equipment at stations.

The Wi-Max equipment installed at selected stations will cover the towns or villages falling within 5-6 km radius of the stations. However, passengers inside a moving train will not be access the facility.

To access the Wi-Max-enabled Internet, users will have to pay online through credit card. Railtel officials say once the facility is provided at the selected stations, counters will be set up for those users who do not have credit cards and want to pay by cash.

Currently, Jaipur is the only station with Wi-Fi facility.

The railway ministry has chosen the so called B class stations (except for Delhi and Bangalore) for setting up Wi-Max facility in order to put them on path of modernisation.