Is it possible to use the free Wi-Fi at the Delhi Airport when one cannot receive a text message?

Question

Is it possible to use the free Wi-Fi at the Delhi Airport when one cannot receive a text message?

The Wi-Fi network I found seemed to ask for OTP, which is sent by text message.

Answer 1

I was not able to use it when I tried.

They only accepted/processed Indian phone numbers, so when you have a phone from another country, (their) SMS don't work, and therefore you cannot connect. In my eyes, that is a rather silly limitation in an international airport.

Also, it seems by giving your phone number to use the wi-fi, you agree to 'receive advertisements'.
Friends who gave their Indian phone number get now flooded with spam since months, so maybe it's a good thing I wasn't able too.

Answer 2

I'm an Indian and I'll give you a quick fix for this. I was at IGI Airport (Delhi) few months back and a foreigner sitting right beside me was perplexed about how to use the free Wi-Fi he was in the same situation as you.

So what he did was: He approached me politely and explained me his plight and since I had 2 sim registered in India (with different cellular companies) I happily agreed to help him. He just needed an OTP (One Time Password) via SMS to use the Wi-Fi and I helped.

So next time just approach any youngster (Yes this is important, no offence to fellow Indians but the older generation is bit rigid when it comes to lending a helping hand in anything that deals with technology) and explain your situation and ask for help. Usually most Indian youngsters carry 2 sim cards { Don't ask why, I have no reason. Maybe we can that's why ;) }

Enjoy next time you visit India. Cheers. :)