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President honours pledge with launch of ‘Free Wi-Fi for All’
View(s):President Maithripala Sirisena launched the ‘Free Wi-Fi for Regional Towns’ programme from the Polonnaruwa District General Hospital premises last Thursday. Simultaneously, authorities unveiled free Wi-Fi zones in 100 major towns in the country.
Under the free Wi-Fi programme, Sri Lankans will be able to access the internet up to 100 MB, free of charge per month, wherever the facility is available. The programme spearheaded by the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) was pledged by President Sirisena in his election manifesto.
Virtually all towns are expected to be brought under this programme soon, with free internet readily available throughout the country, particularly to the rural youth. Internet service providers, both private and government, have joined hands with the TRC to provide the service,
TRCSL Director-General, M.M. Zuhair, P.C. speaking at the launch, noted that, especially the youth and the public as a whole, were eagerly looking forward to the availability of the above facility, which was a pledge made by the President in his election manifesto, projected under the “Good Governance” theme. “It is becoming a reality today” he added.
Mr Zuhair pointed out that, today internet has become an integral tool for both young and old who seek knowledge, education, information, jobs, new business opportunities and news, both political and current.
“This is why we decided to establish these Wi-Fi zones in close proximity to Universities, Schools, Libraries, Train Stations, Bus-Stands, Public Gardens, Hospitals, Law Colleges, Courts, District Secretariats, Museums and other similar places frequented by the general public,” he added.
Mr Zuhair also thanked the President for vesting the responsibility of steering this worthy and gigantic initiative which will immensely benefit the public, with the TRCSL
Providing details of how one could use the facility, Mr Zuhair said that a Sri Lankan citizen could access the internet up to 100MB per month free of charge. There is a registration process for all users, where they have to produce their mobile phone number and national identity card number.
He also said that new technological innovations and necessary laws have been introduced to prevent misuse of the facility and also ensure optimum safety.