Free Wi-Fi service to be available in Baku by 2014
By Nigar Orujova
Public places in the Azerbaijani capital Baku will be covered with free wireless Internet by 2014, AileNet company told the local press on Monday.
AileNet, part of SKAY MAKS MMC, is a first internet provider which allows fiber optics internet access in Azerbaijan. The company has already predicted to cover the entire city with fiber-optic broadband Internet until the end of 2013.
Work is underway under the company's plan to expand Wi-Fi services in Baku, including the city's subway.
Wi-Fi networks are the most acceptable application for users as there are many devices including laptops, phones and smartphones supporting this standard on the market.
Currently, AileNet is purchasing equipment for Wi-Fi service introduction in public places.
According to the company, users will gain free access to AileWi-Fi service, which will be possible after their registration on the project's special website and subscription to the AileTV newsletters, which is another service of SKAY MAKS MMC.
The access to heavy content as well as data transfer speed will be limited to avoid network overloads. However, the service will be available without limits on the paid basis.
According to the Draft Development Concept "Azerbaijan - 2020: The Vision of The Future", Wi-Fi networks will become more widespread in Azerbaijan in the coming years.
Improving wireless network technologies, increasing Internet connection speed and expanding the coverage zone makes using Wi-Fi networks at home, in large companies and organizations more effective.
It is planned to expand Wi-Fi network coverage under the action plan to develop broadband Internet in Azerbaijan. Its implementation is scheduled for 2013.
One of the important aspects of the action plan is to develop Wi-Fi infrastructure in the capital and in the country's regions to render free Internet services based on this technology.
The concept of developing broadband Internet is aimed at expanding this market and increasing the number of domestic connections throughout the country. Its development will affect the rates on the Internet which will be gradually reduced. The new concept will allow a future reduction in the cost of Internet access by a half.
There are 20 computers per 100 people in the country, Trend news agency reported earlier, citing statistics of the Azerbaijani communications ministry.