Beijing to Create 400 Free Wi-Fi Areas. Whatever.

Steven Schwankert | Jan 29, 2015 9:00 am | 5 comments | 5753 reads

Beijing claims it will establish 400 free Wi-Fi areas using a total of 13,000 access points in order to allow greater connectivity.

These areas will include on and around public transportation, and "where there are large streams of people or prominent public services," such as "an administrative service hall, transport hubs, scenic spots, and museums."

Yeah, whatever. There was the free Wi-Fi that was supposed to be available during the Olympics. That didn't work. There's the free Wi-Fi at the airport, which is spotty at best. There's barely mobile phone reception on the new Beijing Subway lines. Sorry. No. We're not buying it, even if it will supposedly be free.

In fact, while Beijing is blessed with almost ubiquitous free Wi-Fi, it's not due to any government or telecom industry effort. It's because private business owners understand that free Wi-Fi is the new free water -- not everyone will want it, but if they do and you don't provide it, they'll be pissed off.

And if we can point out -- it's interesting that local administrators are using the brand name "Wi-Fi." Many telecom equipment operators -- including Apple -- are not permitted to use the phrase in China, and must substitute "WLAN" instead.

Don't give up your 3G service just yet.

Photo: Tour Beijing

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K-Vin's picture K-Vin Submitted by Guest on Fri, 01/30/2015 - 11:52

No bullshit. China Telecom. Actually just wanted a Xiaomi but they wouldn't sell it without a one year contract with them. The Xiaomi itself was around 1800 at most places, China Telecom sold it for 1100 + 500 for the unlimited 3G. Now that year has past and what can i say, i got a high end phone and never had to worry about not having a signal when i was out. Streaming music, watching videos, with a signal fast enough to not bother me at all. IN the subway aswell. So i don't know what you guys use the 3G for complaining it would be too slow but for daily entertainment it does it's job everywhere. Since my contract has ended i can choose to just pay for another year or pay 80 RMB a month for unlimited access. Screw Unicom and Mobile i'd say. cheers

K-Vin's picture K-Vin Submitted by Guest on Thu, 01/29/2015 - 10:10

Don't get it anyways. I'm using unlimited 3G for 500 rmb a year and i can use it nearly everywhere with fast access. Even on the subway. If 500 rmb a year are too much then get yourself a better job i guess. Compare it with other countries in europe, slow access points in germany and you still pay almost triple the price. Free wifi isn't necessary at all. 3G is still fast enough. No complaints from my side. Cheers

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