The Malpe beach in the Udupi district of Karnataka has become the first beach in India to have Wi-Fi connectivity, reported PTI. The service is being provided by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd, supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Digital India" initiative.

Udupi MLA Pramod Madhwaraj said that free Wi-Fi will be available for 30 minutes, adding that the duration would be extended later. District Tourism and Malpe Development Committee official R Vishal said that the facility would be available for one hour for one number.

The state tourism department has paid Rs 1 lakh to BSNL to provide the facility for three months, reported The Hindu. Madhwaraj said Rs 5 crore has been spent "over the past few years" to develop the area's infrastructure.