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The Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development (Communications and Technology), Mrs Rita Lau, today (July 31) urged the information and communications technology (ICT) industry to join with the Government to enhance Hong Kong¡¦s status as an advanced digital city.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the Government Wi-Fi Programme ¡§GovWiFi¡¨, Mrs Lau said building an inclusive and knowledge-based society was one of the action areas identified in the draft 2007 Digital 21 Strategy - the blueprint for future development of ICT in Hong Kong.
¡§We aim to enable citizens and businesses to realise the full potential of the information society, where everyone can create, access, utilise and share information and knowledge to unleash their potential and enhance their quality of life.
¡§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 said.
Mrs Lau noted that to assist the industry in extending the coverage of the wireless network, the Government offered public facilities such as flyovers and lamp posts at a nominal rent for network operators to install wireless access points.
Under the ¡§GovWiFi¡¨, the Government will progressively provide Wi-Fi facilities at about 350 government premises for free use by the public in the next two years. Priority sites will be set up at premises frequented by members of the public by mid-2008, including libraries, public enquiry service centres, community halls/centres, parks and Government buildings.
While the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) will oversee the programme, the Government will adopt an outsourcing approach on the installation of Wi-Fi facilities, provision of Wi-Fi services as well as their on-going operations.
Mrs Lau said the Government had just issued the tender document for the provision of the Government Wi-Fi facilities.
¡§Industry players can participate in this programme as contractors of the Wi-Fi programme. They could also explore new business opportunities by providing more wireless applications, mobile products and supporting services to the citizens,¡¨ she said.
Also officiating at today's ceremony were the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Thomas Chow, and the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Howard Dickson.
Meanwhile, the OGCIO will organise a series of activities to raise public awareness of the programme. Roving exhibitions where visitors can try out the wireless facilities will be held at six government premises starting from today. Details are as follows:
Date Venue
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July 31 to - Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre,
August 12 Kowloon Park
- Central and western District Office
Public Enquiry Service Centre
August 16 to - Tsuen Wan Princess Alexandra
26 Community Centre
August 30 to - Wanchai Immigration Tower 1/F
September 9 Exhibition Area
- Yau Tsim Mong District Office
Public Enquiry Service Centre
September 13 - Tai Po Community Centre
to 23
The opening dates and hours of individual venue for the exhibitions will be available at a dedicated website www.gov.hk/wifi. Pamphlets offering information about the programme and tips on the use of mobile device for Internet access can also be downloaded from the website.
Ends/Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:45
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