Yerevan residents offered free access to WiFi in buses (video)

The Yerevan Municipality, in collaboration with Armenia's third mobile operator, Orange Armenia, has launched a new project aimed at making WiFi Internet accessible in the buses of capital Yerevan.

Introducing the joint initiative at a news conference on Thursday, Ara Yaghjyan, the director of the Technology Management Center of Yerevan, said they have now launched a pilot scheme, testing the WiFi connection in several buses only.

"It is a pilot program for the time being. If the results are positive, all the buses in the city will be provided with WiFi Internet. As a second stage of the project, we intend to make free connection accessible at crowded stops and parks," he said. "Our center's studies have revealed that [Yerevan] residents spend on average one hour in public transport every day, so the free Internet program could make buses a more comfortable means of transportation."

A modem installed by an Orange Armenia representative will allow for connecting five mobile devices to WiFi simultaneously.

Orange Armenia Director Bruno Dutoit said the program will make Armenia one of the first world cities to offer an Internet connection.

"This will enable young passengers to make their ride time more interesting. On the other hand it fits philosophy of making the Internet accessible to all," he added.