Free internet in the entire city

The Municipality of The Hague is launching a pilot project to increase the number of WiFi spots in order to provide free internet access in the entire city within two years.

Deputy Mayor Rabin Baldewsingh (Media and ICT) explains, ‘We want to show everyone that we are a welcoming city and can provide people with royal service.’

The free internet access via WiFi pilot was launched at the beginning of April on the Spuiplein and the Grote Marktstraat in the city centre. By the end of April there will also be free wireless internet available in Zuiderpark. The pilot ends on 31 December 2012.

For legal reasons the municipality is not allowed to provide WiFi itself. This is why the city is inviting commercial parties to offer wireless local area networks in other areas as well. The municipality's role in the project is to mediate in talks between interested companies and owners of buildings where antennas could be placed and to provide information to interested parties.

The city alderman says that free WiFi is a trademark of a modern city. It’s valued by visitors and is good for the economy, according to international research. It also offers a host of new possibilities such as the flexible use of camera surveillance, assistance at large-scale events and applications for public transportation. It can also be used to regulate street lighting, rubbish bins and dynamic message signs.

The municipality provides free WiFi at spots where it’s allowed, such as in City Hall, the public library and at the sub-municipal offices. The alderman hopes that other government agencies follow this example and he also would like companies and restaurants to provide free internet to their customers as much as possible.

Translated from the AD/Haagsche Courant, 19 April 2012