During the Olympic Games in August, internet users will be able to enjoy free wireless access as the “Wireless Beijing” project has begun its trial phase. CECT-Chinacomm Communications, the project’s service provider, said the program adopted the WIMAX+MESHWIFI technology and speed will be no less than 512kbps.

The trial network covers 100 square kilometers comprising 5 of the city’s urban areas, including the CBD area, Financial Street, Zhongguancun, the Wangjing zone and Yizhuang region.

By 2009, 90% of Beijing should be equipped with free wireless as the sole provider, CECT-Chinacomm Communications, is building up to 9,000 access points in public areas and 150 WiMAX stations. The citywide wireless network is scheduled to be completed in 2010.

The network, which will be free of charge during the Olympics, will cost users 0.12 yuan per minute after the Games. People can also choose another three prepayment methods, 20 yuan for one day, 60 yuan for five days and 80 yuan for one month.There is no limit on traffic.

In Nanjing, which is located near Shanghai, the price is much cheaper than in Beijing, at 0.05 yuan per minute during the promotion period.

The wireless network currently provided by China Mobile offers three payment methods – 30 yuan for 15 hours, 50 yuan for 40 hours, 100 yuan for 200 hours, and 0.05 yuan for each extra minute. These prepaid service hours are effective in all cities in China and must be used within one month.