The Government yesterday reported the success of its free Luxembourg City WiFi initiative midway through the Presidency, with more than 1.2 million hits recorded in the first three months.
The Wifi was set up in July and has been made available during the Luxembourg Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2015. This wireless network is accessible in Presidency meeting places and at certain busy areas of the capital and Esch-sur-Alzette. The free access was made possible through the joint efforts of the Centre des technologies de l'information de l'État (CTIE), the Ville de Luxembourg, the Ville d'Esch-sur-Alzette and Hotcity, with the support of Luxair as a sponsor.
The availability of a free WiFi network has contributed to the image of a country highly specialised in digital activities and with a futuristic vision, whilst attempting to highlight economic competitiveness and social inclusion. The WiFi therefore forms part of the Digital Lëtzebuerg initiative.
The Luxembourg population appears to have wholly benefitted from the initiative, which experienced nearly 9,900 daily connections in the first three months, with a peak of 16,000 connections on 9 September 2015. These figures exceeded those initially forecasted by 50%.
Given this success, officials involved have stated they are actively working on the development of a concept to perpetuate of extend this free WiFi beyond 2015.
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