By David Gold
September 13 – Brazil will spend 200 million reais (£74 million/$118 million/85 million) to ensure that all host cities for the 2014 World Cup have access to fast mobile internet connections.
The country’s President Dilma Rousseff (pictured) said that she has authorised huge investments to ensure that the technology is in place for the World Cup and the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
“This is a legacy which will remain to the Brazilian population after the World Cup and Olympic Games,” she said.
“We want to reach at least 40 million households with access to broadband internet, which is very important to our country’s development.
“Internet is present at everything: economy, education, shopping, personal relations and public services.”
Rousseff also said that 4G phones will also be available for the 2014 World Cup competition, and broadband services are planned to be offered for half the typical market price.
The plans include moves to ensure free internet access is available to public schools and internet centres.
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