People in Taipei City will be able to enjoy a free wireless service at public locations throughout the city starting next month as the Taipei City Government seeks to expand its wireless network service to 100 percent of the city and make it free of charge.
The service will be available from July 1 at major public locations, including MRT stations, city libraries, administrative centers and hospitals.
Taipei City Department of Information Commissioner Chang Chia-sheng (張家生) said the scope of the free wireless service would be expanded to outdoor areas and major commercial and residential areas in October.
Taipei residents can use their mobile phone numbers to register for a free account with unlimited access to the wireless service “TPE-Free.” Visitors can also register for the service at the tourist service center at Taipei International Airport (Songshan airport) or at hotels using their passport numbers, he said.
Expanding the wireless network service, WiFly, which currently covers 93 percent of the city, and offering a free wireless service were campaign promises made by Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) last year in his bid for re-election.
Currently, the WiFly service costs consumers NT$100 (US$3.44) a day, NT$399 a month or NT$4,200 a year.
There are 5,000 wireless hot spots throughout the city, including most fast food and beverage chains, such as Starbucks, Burger King and MOS Burger, as well as 7-Eleven convenience stores and MRT stations.
The city government will need to add about 2,000 more hot spots to offer the free wireless service throughout 100 percent of the city, Chang said.
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