Mayor Bertrand Delanoe told Reuters that the city hopes to set up 400 free WiFi access points and will allow internet service providers to install antennae on strategically located public property.
We will act fast and firmly… to create the most favorable conditions for Paris, Mr Delanoe told Reuters. It is a decisive tool for international competition and thus important for the city.
The new plan also calls for tax cuts for companies that lay down fiber optic cables, in an attempt to have 80% of city buildings connected to fiber optic networks by 2010.
60% of Parisian households already have high-speed connections. Our goal will be not only to maintain this but also to move a step ahead, said Mr Delanoe.
The free wireless access points will be located in libraries, squares, parks and public areas and set up by public firms.
