Taipei gov't launches free public WiFi

In its latest effort to be an "intelligent fiber city," Taipei City in Taiwan started Friday its free wireless Internet services at the city's major public areas. City Mayor Hau Lung-bin has launched the "TPE-Free" service, which he said will be available for residents and visitors, Taiwan's Central News Agency reported. Hau said the service is initially accessible in places such as mass rapid transit (MRT) stations, underground shopping malls, city government offices, city hospitals and libraries. By October, the CNA report said the network will be expanded to major streets and avenues, residential areas, densely populated public places and at least 800 city buses. For now, the 512K bandwidth-service can only support light use, including Web browsing and e-mail access. Those who wish to avail of the service may apply for a free account at "TPE-Free." Foreign visitors can also bring their passports to Taipei Songshan Airport or tourism service centers across the city to register for the service, Hau said. The CNA report noted Taipei was chosen as the model for wireless and broadband city at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo. It cited estimates from the Taipei City Department of Information Technology that an average of 500,000 people per month will be using the free Wi-Fi service by October. — TJD, GMA News