Free wi-fi to be launched in capital

Free Wi-Fi zones and charging services will be launched in key tourist attractions in the capital. During a meeting of Capital General Secretariat Council yesterday, the proposal received the approval of the councillors. 

In the meeting, chaired by the council’s Vice Chairman Mazen Al Umran, a presentation was also held regarding the implementation of  the new service.

It was mentioned that the service would be initially launched in Manama Traditional Market (Souq), Block 338 in Adliya and public parks.

“The free service will provide smooth, trusted and secured internet use for the public,” it was stated. While reviewing the presentation, councillors agreed that “the service would strengthen the concept of community partnership among individuals, tourists and telecommunication companies.”

They said that the service would add to the efforts of developing the capital into a smart city by linking residents and visitors to the international web. Along with the launch of free Wi-Fi service, providing free recharging services of smart devices and laptops is also intended to be initiated in the capital.

“The goal is to provide free premium Wi-Fi service to the public, who will be free to use it for mailing purposes, browsing or interacting through social media sites. It will also enhance the living of limited-income categories, who will benefit the most from the free service,” the presentation read.

Council members said that the Capital Secretariat would choose the locations where the service will be available to the public. They also discussed reaching an agreement with service providers to generalise the service and to allocate the areas covered.

The project emulates a similar experiment that was recently implemented in Dubai. Bidding will be opened soon for telecommunication companies, as contracts will be affective for not less than five years.