Mobile operator Robi recently launched 200 wi-fi hotspots in various establishments across the country. Robi users will be able to enjoy the service free of cost at restaurants, institutes, shopping malls and airports.

However, for being eligible for the service, Robi subscribers will have to have the experience of purchasing a data pack of at least 1GB.

An official said almost all operators are struggling to ensure uninterrupted indoor network coverage and wi-fi is a solution to this problem.

The initiative is part of a bigger project the operator took in April, under which high-speed wi-fi services will be provided in 500 top restaurants and retail outlets, 100 educational institutions, 10 airports and railway stations, and more than 350 buses, taxis and trains.

In April Robi rolled out free wi-fi services in 100 buses and 100 taxicabs in a bid to provide high-speed internet to its subscribers.

"Robi is committed to implementing the government's vision of a digital Bangladesh and the availability of the internet is the prime enabler of this vision," said Supun Weerasinghe, managing director and chief executive officer of the operator.

Robi is currently on the way to merge its operations with Airtel. The High Court recently gave the green light to the much-awaited merger, paving the way for the formation of the country's second largest mobile operator.