WiFi4EU – free internet in local communities

In Tuesday’s plenary session, the European Parliament adopted with a sweeping majority the WiFi4EU initiative, which supports the establishment of freely accessible WiFi hotspots in local communities (public spaces, parks, hospitals, libraries and at other public places) throughout the entire territory of the European Union.

“WiFi4Eu is an exceptionally forward-looking initiative as access to free wireless internet in public spaces is useful for every citizen,” said Tamás Deutsch, Fidesz MEP and Prime Minister’s Commissioner responsible for the Digital Welfare Program.

The European Union provides 120 million EUR for the implementation of the initiative, which covers funding for the equipment needed for public WiFi services in 6-8000 municipalities. Those administrative authorities (local governments or municipal associations) are eligible to apply for the program that would like to provide free WiFi access in public spaces not covered with such services by public or private companies. Applications shall be submitted electronically. Decisions will be made on a ‘first come, first served’ basis, and the amount of the Union’s contribution may cover the entire cost of the project.

Tamás Deutsch welcomed the news that during the negotiations among various EU institutions, geographical balance among member states was successfully strengthened regarding access to sources.

“The WiFi4EU initiative is in line with the goal of the Digital Welfare Program, which is to make the internet accessible for everybody, thus I encourage as many Hungarian public bodies as possible to apply,” the EPP MEP emphasized.