Tourists get wifi in Yana, Sahasralinga in Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka

Keeping in mind tourists visiting the historical, spiritual, and natural attractions, including waterfalls, in the remote forested regions of Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka, GNA India Private Limited has launched a wifi facility to illuminate the ‘blind spots’, or remote areas where network signals previously failed to reach.

In the first phase, the Bengaluru-based company, in collaboration with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Acer India, has introduced wifi connectivity in Yana and Sahasralinga, two prominent pilgrimage and tourist destinations in Uttara Kannada district.

Yana is a popular tourist destination located in the forest of the Katgal Range in Uttara Kannada. Known as one of the cleanest and wettest villages in Karnataka, it is a natural wonder featuring two massive black limestone rock formations — Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara. Surrounded by dense forest and crystal-clear streams, Yana offers trekkers, pilgrims, and nature enthusiasts a mystical blend of adventure and spirituality. However, until recently, the lack of telephone connectivity had been a major challenge for tourists.

Sahasralinga, another holy site, is located around 14 km from Sirsi in Uttara Kannada district. The Sahasralingeśvara temple, situated on the banks of the Shalmala river, is renowned for the presence of a thousand Shiva lingas carved on the rocks in the riverbed.

GNA has partnered with BSNL and Acer India to install small towers and provide digital connectivity in these remote areas.

Nagaraja Munidasappa, Managing Director of GNA India, told The Hindu, “We have successfully implemented wifi facilities in the remote rural tourist areas of Yana and Sahasralinga. The initiative has received an encouraging response from people. Our intention is to expand this project across India in the near future in collaboration with BSNL. This initiative will play a vital role in strengthening the Rural Smart Village Center Project.”

Acer India is supporting GNA by providing advanced computing hardware to complement the last-mile connectivity infrastructure.

Sathodi Falls, Magod Falls to get wifi

Mr. Munidasappa stated that the company plans to establish wifi facilities in at least 10 remote tourist destinations, including Sathodi Falls and Magod Falls, in Uttara Kannada district.

GNA is also focusing on enhancing digital connectivity in hilly States, such as Meghalaya, in northeast India.

The wifi project was launched in Bengaluru on February 26, in the presence of Dr. Vishal Rao, member of the Consultative Group to the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Union Government, and former Union minister Ananth Kumar Hegde. A Japanese delegation led by industrialist Tadashi Izumi also attended the event.

Former MP Anant Kumar Hegde addressing the audience at the last-mile connectivity programme in Bengaluru on February 26, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
SUDHAKARA JAIN

The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a digitally empowered India, and marks a decisive step toward transforming rural areas, and Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns, while accelerating the creation of smart villages across the country, Dr. Rao said.