Being the place with the world's cheapest fixed line broadband access is not enough for Macao, local telecommunication authorities said on Thursday that residents and tourists will soon enjoy free wireless internet access at various selected public locations.

Wireless Broadband System, which uses Wi-Fi technology, has been installed at selected locations of the city such as government premises, public facilities and tourist attractions, Macao's Bureau of Telecommunications Regulation said.

The new "Wi-fi GO" service has underwent a trial run ever since June 2010, and will officially enter operation on September 18, according to the Bureau.

Users with Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11 b/g) supported equipment is able to wirelessly connect to the Internet for web browsing, email communicating as well as instant messaging, etc. through the "Wi- fi GO" service.

The free Wi-Fi service will add to Macao's growing reputation as an internet friendly place.

According to a recently-released report from International Telecommunications Union (ITU), Macao has the cheapest broadband service in the world, with the fee being just 0.3 percent of a citizen's average monthly income in 2009.

The special administrative region (SAR) of China had a broadband penetration rate of 23.42 percent in 2009, the report also said.

(Xinhua News Agency September 16, 2010)