Wireless surfing: Permanent Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau and Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Thomas Chow tour the GovWiFi exhibiton at Heritage Discovery Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The Government has offered public facilities such as flyovers and lamp posts at a nominal rent for network operators to install wireless access points, helping the trade extend the wireless network's coverage, Permanent Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau says.

Launching the Government Wi-Fi Programme - GovWiFi - today, Mrs Lau said building an inclusive and knowledge-based society is one of the action areas identified in the draft 2007 Digital 21 Strategy.

"Through Government investment and market force, we will pursue the goal of building Hong Kong into a wireless city and make broadband connectivity including the wireless one available for every citizen," she added.

Priority sites

Under GovWiFi, Wi-Fi facilities will be progressively provided at about 350 government premises for free use by the public in the next two years. It will set up priority sites at premises frequented by the public by mid-2008, including libraries, public enquiry service centres, community halls and centres, parks and Government buildings.

Noting GovWiFi's tender exercise has just been launched, Mrs Lau said industry players can participate in the programme as contractors and explore new business opportunities by offering more wireless applications, mobile products and supporting services.

To raise public awareness of GovWiFi, roving exhibitions are being staged at six locations until September 23. Visitors can try out the wireless facilities. For details, click here.