Public Wi-Fi in India has the ability to capture 40 million new connected users by 2019, resulting in at least $20 billion being added to the country's GDP, a joint report by Google and global research firm Analysys Mason said on Wednesday. The report noted that public Wi-Fi could play a key role in driving ubiquitous connectivity and digital inclusion in India. "India is a big market for the next billion users.

Wi-Fi is a huge focus area and opportunity in terms of connecting these users," K. Suri, Director, Partnership, India, Next Billion Users, Google India, told reporters here. "We have found that if users have free and fast access, it could make significant change to their lives and overall economic prosperity," Suri added while releasing a joint study by Google and global research firm Analysys Mason. Google has currently partnered with RailTel and Indian Railways to offer public Wi-Fi in railway stations, covering 400 stations with about 7.6 million monthly active Wi-Fi users.