About Development – Georgia Loves the Internet!
Earlier this year, the Mayor of Tbilisi, Gigi Ugulava, announced a municipal wireless network plan that will cover the entire capital city with free WiFi access before the end of 2012.
Called “Tbilisi Loves You” the free WiFi network is already available in some of the central areas of the city.
Tbilisi will be the first capital city in the world to provide free WiFi access.
According to the Georgian National Communication Commission the number of Internet users in Georgia passed 1.5 million in 2011 (out of a population of 4.3 million), which is an impressive 49 percent rise from the previous year.
To help ensure that children become computer literate from an early age every first-grade schoolchild in Georgia has been given an XO mini laptop with built-in wireless. Conceived by Nicholas Negraponte and his team at ONE LAPTOP PER CHILD (OLPC), a U.S. non-profit organization, the XO mini-laptop is the size of a small textbook, has built-in wireless, is extremely durable, brilliantly functional, energy-efficient, and fun. It’s also bright green!
Wow!
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Free wireless? Really??? Lucky you! Yay for all the children too! 🙂
Yes, it is fantastic! It means we can access the internet without incurring data charges.
Wow is right! I don’t know any kids that age with laptops! LOL I wonder why they would provide free wireless, won’t the service providers be angry that no-one needs their services?
Prior to this there was free WiFi in some cafes and MacDonald’s. I’m not sure how it will affect the internet service providers.
That is amazing!!! How wonderful that all the children get a laptop and you all have free Wi-Fi. I like the colorful laptop. Hugs
It is an amazing initiative and will really help children. I like the color too!
Free wifi is pawsome for a Caucasian Shepherd who may want to blog while out walking, don’t you think? I hope someone gives Bubba a laptop when she’s in first grade (and maybe a new one for mumma too)!
Providing each first grade child with a mini laptop is an amazing investment in Georgia’s future. It is an incredible initiative!
cool!!! Way to go Georgia! 🙂
Some very innovative ideas are being implemented here Chuck, In some ways, it is leading the world with it’s social development program. We think it’s great that every first-grade schoolchild in Georgia has been given an XO mini laptop.
This is such a great thing, the internet for better or worse is key in educating children and even adults on the world at large. Part of understanding other cultures is to be able to learn about other countries and cultures from an honest un-biased point of few
It is a great thing Mike.
hi is there free wifi in tiblisi and if yes how relibe is it? pls keep me informed, tina
Hi Tina. Yes there is free wifi (Tbilisi Loves You). In my experience, there is a better signal in the central area.
Tbilisi is not the only capital city where free wifi is available, even in Riga (Latvia) it is available in high quality coverage.