Google Internet bus drives through Karnataka

BANGALORE: Internet search giant Google India on Monday announced the roll out of custom-built Internet bus drives through 15 towns of Karnataka, that would go through the state in next 50 days.

The Google bus began its Karnataka leg on Monday from Kolar, a backward district, about 100 km from India's tech hub, said a press release.

The Internet bus facility is designed to showcase the benefits of the Internet to the people and make everyday tasks simple with tools like Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps and more.

Prasad Ram, head of research and development (R&D), Google India said, “The Internet bus project is an attempt to educate the people, especially the younger generation about the worldwide web and how Internet serves as a platform to step into the digital world for information, communication, entertainment and education.”

The content is tailored to familiarize the common folk with the basics of Internet. The online tool facilitates access to multiple services such as search, e-mail, social networking and browsing maps, said the report.

Among the Karnataka towns the Google bus will travel through over the weeks are Mandya, Mysore, Hassan, Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Hospet and Tumkur, said the release.

In this phase, Google would focus on how mobile phones can be used to access even local information without data plans. Access to the Internet in local language would be its thrust area.

Access to information over mobile devices has become easier with mobile maps, mobile search, and mobile Orkut.

Google has also created platforms like the 'Be NetSmart' campaign to educate students, parents and teachers on Internet safety, added the release.

Google had started the Internet bus initiative in the month of February across the cities of Tamil Nadu.

“Tamil Nadu was a big learning for us. It was inspiring to see the people wanted to know about the Internet and share their needs with us. The experience has reinforced our belief that awareness is the key challenge in the growth of the Internet in India,” said Ram.

The project is in line with Google's global strategy to make access to information, education and entertainment universal and relevant to end-user in English or multiple languages, added the release.