Free Wi-Fi is now available at more than 80 new government department sites, as part of an initiative to improve internet accessibility.

This was announced by Digital Economy Minister Manuel Mallia and Principal Permanent Secretary Mario Cutajar during a press conference at the Department of Education – one of the new sites that now offer free Wi-Fi.

Dr Mallia said the initiative forms part of the National Digital Strategy. The Minister said there are more than 300 Wi-Fi hotspots in public squares, hospitals, on the Gozo ferries and other locations.

The government, he noted, announced in next year’s budget that it wants to make Malta one of the first Wi-Fi states in the world and has recently launched a new strategy that provides all government electronic services on mobile.

The Principal Permanent Secretary said the launch of free Wi-Fi in the customer care areas of government departments was another step in the investment currently being made in the public sector. The Public Sector is becoming accessible on a 24/7 basis in all localities.

The mobile government apps will be launched in March, he announced.