Free wifi in Porte de Hal metro station from September

The free public Wi-Fi network in Brussels will expand to include the underground metro stations, starting with Porte de Hal from next month, writes De Standaard following an announcement by Brussels minister for digital development Bianca Debaets.

"There are already 54 hotspots across the Brussels-Capital Region, and our aim is to raise that figure with the addition of about 10 to 15 metro stations a year. Currently, the network has some 4,000 visitors a week, but that number will likely continue to increase," says Debaets.

Less than 20 % of Brussels households have no or only very limited internet access due to financial difficulties, according to De Standaard. For these residents, the free hotspots are a real asset in public places such as Flagey and the Bourse.

The expansion of the network into the metro stations is especially advantageous for commuters, and tourists looking to avoid roaming charges.

photo: Michael / Flickr