Today, the industry committee backed a plan to offer free Wi-Fi connectivity in public spaces such as parks, squares and public buildings everywhere in Europe through WiFi4EU. The initial 2017 to 2019 budget proposed by the Commission for the WiFi4EU pilot project is EUR 120 million, and this will support the installation of the state-of-the-art Wi-Fi equipment in the centres of community life.
S&D MEP Carlos Zorrinho, author of the report on WiFi4EU, said:
“Every European should benefit from Wi-Fi connectivity no matter where they live or how much they earn. Ensuring access to high-speed broadband services through a Wi-Fi that is free of charge and free from restrictions is key for building a digital union where no one is left behind.
“As a pilot project, WiFi4EU can pave the way for increasing connectivity for European citizens. This is why it is important to get this project right from the get-go: by ensuring a geographical balance between and within member states; by setting up a single authentication system that is valid in the whole of the EU; and by promoting digital inclusion and the blueprint for a European digital identity.”
S&D MEP Josef Weidenholzer, spokesperson on the digital union, added:
“WiFi4EU is a first step towards equipping every European village and every city with free wireless internet access in public spaces. As progressives, we want as many Europeans as possible to benefit from the digital revolution and have access to the information society.”
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