At the AIPS Congress in Seoul, South Korea Wednesday, the Annecy 2018 Olympic Winter Games bid promised free WiFi Internet access to the media should the city be chosen to host the Games – this brings the French bid in line with similar offers from both PyeongChang and Munich and ensures this free service will be offered regardless of what bid wins.
This will be the first time the crucial media tool will be made available free-of-charge at an Olympic Games unless Sochi, Russia or Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – hosts for the 2014 and 2016 Games respectively – change their published plans to charge for this servvice. London 2012 will be billing for WiFi Internet at the Games next year.
PyeongChang was first to set the bar with its offer earlier in the year and then Munich matched it during the IOC Evaluation Commission this month.
Annecy 2018 Vice President Jean-Pierre Vidal told AIPS members “we understand that the modern media needs WiFi access which is why we are totally committed to providing free WiFi access. With free access at every venue and also free WiFi at all media accommodation.”
Previously, the Annecy 2018 bid told the IOC that they had planned to charge journalists for WiFi service.
