The central city of Da Nang is preparing to invest around US$2 million in the installation of Wi-Fi stations to help local residents and foreign tourists enjoy free Internet access. With nearly 400 Wi-Fi routers at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands to be set up on different tourist locations, universities, state agencies and electrical posts, the free internet system is expected to accommodate up to 10,000 simultaneous accesses.

According to Pham Kim Son, director of Da Nang Department of Information and Communication, the project is a huge necessity in the development of the society, the economy and information technology; while at the same time serve as a foundation for the establishment of an electronic government.

The system will facilitate the supply and use of online public administrative services via electronic devices that utilizes Wi-Fi, including laptops, mobile phones, smart phones and tablets. Students, public officials, businessmen and visitors to the province are all expected to benefit from the availability of high-speed internet. The city expects that the free internet access will enhance the effectiveness of online education and training.

The effort also aims to help upgrade the city’s tourism infrastructure. Popular  destinations including Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam, Ha Long in the northern province of Quang Ninh, and Hue in the central province of Thua Thien are among the early birds in providing free Wi-Fi services throughout their key locations which they implemented in 2012. Such made them highly favored by foreign tourists and was seen to draw increasing visits. The trend is expected to invite the participation of other localities nationwide in the coming years. Da Nang is expected to begin the implementation of the Free Wi-Fi project beginning September of this year. The city will be cooperating with private entities in promoting the services via the system through advertising, data services, television and traffic supervision to offset the cost.