The European Parliament has given the definitive green light to the "WiFi4EU" program with which free Wi-Fi networks will be created in 6 EU municipalities by 2020 and without discriminatory conditions.
The 120 million euros made available by the EU will be assigned in a "geographically balanced" manner based on the order in which applications are received.
The resources will be used to finance free wireless connections in public centres, including outdoor spaces accessible to the general public (libraries, public administrations, hospitals). To obtain the funds, public bodies will have to cover the operating costs of the network for at least three years and offer users a free, easy to access and secure connection.
“The process is very simple – explained the rapporteur of the proposal Carlos Zorrinho – we will give vouchers to those who request them and with these vouchers the institutions will be able to proceed with the installation of the connection”.
However, there are two rules to respect: European resources may only be used on condition that advertising and the use of personal data for commercial purposes are excluded. Projects in areas with similar free public or private offers will also be rejected.
“The WIFI4U initiative was a strong political vision that will soon become a reality across the EU and will ensure that no matter where they live or how much they earn, every European benefits from a high-quality Wi-Fi connection,” continued Zorrinho.
It should be emphasized that the registration by citizens must be carried out only once: subsequently they will be able to use all the WIFI4EU hotspots present in Europe.
