Free internet available in all EU cities from 2017

The member-states of the European Union have welcomed the initiative called WiFi4U, which will enable free access to Wi-Fi networks. The initiative was supported less than three months after President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker's presentation of the plan which would enable local authorities in the EU to provide people in cities in villages with free internet access.

The first invitation for submission of project proposals is planned to take place before the summer of 2017, and all local authorities in the EU will be able to apply for receiving vouchers in order to offer high quality internet access in their parks, squares, public buildings and bookstores.

The vouchers will be allocated in order of application, and the authorities should be ready to act as soon as the application process is initiated. Those who receive vouchers will be able to use them to buy and install equipment for local Wi-Fi network access points. Other expenses will be shouldered by local authorities.

Local government bodies wishing to provide a Wi-Fi connection in areas where such a service, public or private, is still unavailable will be able to apply for financing through a simple and non-bureaucratic procedure, the Commission says.

Funds in the amount of EUR 120 million have been set aside for the 2017-2019 period. The Commission estimates that at least six to eight thousand local communities will benefit from the program.

EUROPEAN COMMISSION Bruxelles

Wi Fi

free internet access in EU

WiFi4EU

Jean Claude Juncker