The main portal of Schwerin Castle in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. (picture alliance/dpa)
Vacationers to the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will soon find free wi-fi at castles, canal locks and city information offices. A total of 234 tourist locations are to be equipped with hotspots by the end of 2021. The state government has earmarked 500,000 euros for their installation. A preparatory study has already been paid from the state budget, as can be seen from the government's response to an inquiry by the Left party in the state parliament. Estimated investment costs of between 1,500 and 1,800 euros are expected for each hotspot – a total of 421,200 euros.
It is unclear, however, who is responsible for paying for the maintenance of the wi-fi hotspots. This has been criticized by the Left party. "The first 'selections' in the Mecklenburg Lake District have already declared that they would not be able to shoulder the running costs on their own and would therefore not even apply for the installation of a free wi-fi network," said Eva-Maria Kröger, the Left's spokesperson on digitalization policy in the state parliament on Wednesday. The state government must submit a follow-up cost estimate and clarify who is to be responsible for maintenance, the politician demanded.
Notice: No person, organization and/or company shall disseminate or broadcast the above article on Xinhua Silk Road website without prior permission by Xinhua Silk Road.
A single purchase
