Seoul aims to become data-free city with free public Wi-Fi connectivity anywhere

By Lim Chang-won Posted : October 7, 2019, 15:57 Updated : October 7, 2019, 15:57

[Courtesy of the Seoul City Metropolitan Government]

SEOUL -- In 2022, Seoul, the South Korean capital with a population of 9.74 million, will be a data-free city where anyone can use public Wi-Fi services free of charge anywhere. Foreign visitors can quickly find travel information on their smartphones using public Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi is a popular wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections. Currently, free Wi-Fi services were provided in public places frequently used by citizens.

On Monday, the Seoul government announced plans to built smart city infrastructure densely so that citizens can reduce the burden of communication costs. The public Internet of Things (IoT) network will be expanded throughout Seoul, allowing citizens to use services such as shared parking and smart street lighting using IoT sensors.

Seoul would establish its own optical cable communication network called "S-Net" covering 4,237 kilometers (2,627 miles) by 2022, without leasing lines of private mobile network providers. If a self-communication network is established, unlimited connectivity to all administrative areas is possible.

The city will expand free public Wi-Fi services in all areas by increasing the number of wireless transmission and reception devices (APs) from 7,420 to 23,750 in 2022. Additional public Wi-Fi APs will be installed first at bus stations, transportation facilities and  CCTV support systems to reduce costs and make citizens feel more comfortable at an early date.

Seoul hopes to realize a "hyper-connected" city where all people and things are connected. "We will turn Seoul into a hyper-connected smart city where everyone and things are connected to the network through a smart city infrastructure that is built as dense as capillaries across the city for the first time in the world," said Seoul's smart city policy director Lee Won-mok.

 
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