The local government of Hoi An city in central Vietnam has launched free wireless internet system covering the whole city.

Located in Quang Nam province, the historic city is UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws many tourists all year around.

The free wireless internet project started in 2011 with an investment of ₫25 billion (US$1.2 million) from the social development budget of the local government.

Ho Quang Buu, Director, Department of Information and Communications of Quang Nam province reveals that 350 WiFi base stations have been installed. He says that

“ With this successful project, Hoi An has become the first city of Vietnam and in Asia offering free WiFi with comprehensive coverage,” Buu adds.

The government sees the provision of free WiFi as another booster for the city’s tourism industry.