5 October 2007
In an attempt to turn Paris into a ‘world digital city’, the capital city has launched Europe’s biggest free wireless Internet network.
Across the parks, gardens, squares, libraries and other public spaces in Paris there are almost 400 broadband wireless hotspot zones. To implement the scheme it cost €2 million (£1.4 million) of public money, spent in the attempt to give Paris a modern, competitive edge. It is expected to cost €500,000 a year to maintain.
The wi-fi scheme, however, falls short of the blanket coverage promised by San Francisco, Philadelphia and other cities. To reduce the fear of losing business some commercial operators are experiencing, the power of the hotspots has been limited it is expected that they will be turned off when the public buildings are parks close for the night.
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