Berlin - Berlin's mayor threw his weight on Thursday behind plans for free wireless Internet service in central districts of the German capital, saying it was an economic necessity.
“We will strengthen broadband and work to introduce a free-of-charge Wifi network since infrastructure policy for a capital city in the digital age also means ensuring speedy Internet access,” Klaus Wowereit told the city-state parliament.
“The economy needs it and it is our social responsibility to prevent a digital divide,” the Social Democrat said.
Although the plan has previously failed, Wowereit, who won re-election in September, wants to follow the example of London and the western German city of Aachen, the Tagesspiegel newspaper said.
The Pirate party, which shot to prominence last year after securing seats in Berlin's regional parliament for the first time, also calls for free wireless Internet service for all. - Sapa-AFP