Residents of Dakar, Senegal heaved a sigh of relief when the government launched a free WIFI hotspot at the independence square.In Senegal, getting access to the internet is quite expensive. This new move by the government, is aimed at promoting technology and opening the country to the world.
This project-Dakar Digital City, is a partnership between the Senegalese government and the country’s leading mobile operator Tigo mobile. In an official statement issued by the mayor of Dakar Mr. Sall to biztechAfrica, he said that residents and tourists are free to come over to the Independence square with their internet enabled devices and surf the internet for free.
The residents of Dakar were visibly elated as the news of a free WIFI internet service made people travel from other parts of the country to see how true it is. A representative of the government says the project will be replicated in other major cities of Senegal.
It is pertinent to note that almost half of the Senegalese population do not have access to the internet. Students who spoke to journalists say this project will enable them do their research easily. Other internet users who could not afford to buy data also praised the government’s effort.
Some industry watchers are sceptical about the sustainability of the Dakar Digital City project.
