Hong Kong Sets $13 Million Free Wi-Fi Service In 350 Government Venues

November 27, 2007 5:59 a.m. EST

Hong Kong (AHN) - PCCW Ltd., the largest telecommunications service provider in Hong Kong, will set up and operate the administrative government's 350 wireless Internet hotspots worth $13 million.

Chinatechnews.com reported on Tuesday that the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer in Hong Kong announced that 120 government venues will have free Wi-Fi service by June 2008 and the remaining hotspots will be set up by 2009.

At present, free public Wi-Fi service in Hong Kong is limited to airports, parks, residential areas and gyms. About 20,000 people use the free service.

With the government's deal with PCCW, other public venues that will have Wi-Fi service include libraries, employment centers, parks and government buildings.

Broadband Internet terminals are available for free in Hong Kong libraries, MTR station, cafes, shopping malls and hotels.