Washington DC launches free Wi-Fi in downtown

This is a good example of the difference between developed countries who work to provide easy access to information, and poor countries like Ethiopia whose government spends tens of millions of dollars to restrict access to information. — Editor’s Note

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Free wireless Internet access has been added to the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Officials said Wednesday the city has installed 220 free Wi-Fi hotspots that are accessible by any compatible computer or device.

The D.C. government installed the hotspots along with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Smithsonian Institution. The private company Cisco donated the network hardware, and Level 3 donated the Internet services.

City officials say the free Wi-Fi will improve the National Mall for both residents and tourists visiting the many museums and memorials.