In the works since 2003, Da Nang’s $2 million city-wide WIFI network is set to come online this September. The system will rely on 400 transmitters, allowing access so 10,000 users at any given time.
Mr. Pham Kim Son, Director of the Da Nang Department of Information and Communication, said that the project was proposed in 2003 but has been slow to develop due to lack of capital.
WiFi transmitters were installed on street lamp posts, tourist attractions, universities, and government buildings wtih 2.4 and 5.8 GHz bands.
Da Nang is the fourth city in Vietnam to provide free WIFI after Hoi An, Hue and Ha Long.
Some have questioned the quality of city-wide WIFI networks. Accodrding to Tuoi Tre, tourists in Hoi An found it difficult to connect to the network, even in the town’s center while others have complained about slow speeds.
Le Manh Hung, Director of VDC3, said that additional transmitters and high-speed internet cards are in the works and should help address these issues.
There are no plans for a free WIFI network in Saigon.
