Wi-Fi connection will become free in all public transportation services and parks across Seoul from next year, the city government of Seoul on Tuesday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said in-vehicle Wi-Fi terminals will be installed initially in 1,499 town shuttles serving 235 routes by the end of this October as part of efforts to improve information accessibility and reduce telecom costs. It will equip 6,000 city buses by December and 1,405 intercity buses by next year. Free Wi-Fi connection is currently available in 270 buses in Seoul, which account for 3.6 percent of the total.

The city will also expand the service to bus stops with terminal installations in 358 central bus-only lane stops this year and in 2,000 roadside bus stops next year. The free Wi-Fi network will also be built at 24 large parks including Boramae Park, Dream Forest and Yeouido Park, which are under the direct management of the city by next year. Wi-Fi terminals will also be installed at 300 additional welfare centers for the elderly and the youth.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to double the number of public Wi-Fi terminals to 20,000 units by the end of this year.

By Choi Hyun-jae and Minu Kim

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