Radio NOR has launched free Wi-Fi in the central park Ayos Kartlos in Ninotsminda, providing internet access to residents and visitors. The hotspot operates under the name nor.ge and has already gained popularity among the local community.
According to Ararat Tttian, the director of Radio NOR, the project aims to create a comfortable and informed environment for the community while also boosting tourism in the region:
– “We are doing everything possible to ensure comfort for Ninotsminda residents. Free Wi-Fi is a contribution to community development and tourism”.
While the project currently covers only the city center and the Ayos Kartlos park, future plans include expanding the network across the entire municipality. However, achieving this goal will require support from local authorities.
The idea of internetization
The concept of providing accessible internet to the Ninotsminda community has been in the works for years. Despite the presence of local internet providers, the high cost of data transit imposed by major operators slows the region’s digital progress.
Four years ago, Radio NOR, with the support of the Open Society Georgia Foundation, built a central TV, radio, and internet tower, enabling internet access for remote villages in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
Konstantin Stalinsky (project conceptualizer), an internet media specialist and one of the project’s key initiators, commented:
– “Currently, the free internet covers only the city center, but with the involvement of local authorities, the coverage can extend across the entire municipality. This is a significant step towards increasing the community’s digital awareness and integration”.
At this stage, the free Wi-Fi has a speed limit of 1 Mbps per device. Discussions are underway to lift speed and content restrictions in the future, depending on the city’s willingness to support the initiative.
This is just the beginning. At this point, free internet only covers the city center. It is possible to increase the coverage of cheap or free wireless Internet throughout the entire municipality. But this requires the support of local/central government #Javakheti #Ninotsminda pic.twitter.com/8trucbU8G8
— Konstantin Stalinsky 🇬🇪 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@StalinskyK) August 27, 2019
Residents of Ninotsminda on Free Wi-Fi
One month after the launch of Radio NOR’s free Wi-Fi project, a survey was conducted to assess its popularity and usefulness among Ninotsminda residents.
Half of the respondents said they were aware of the free Wi-Fi and actively used it. Those who had not known about the initiative expressed their appreciation and intention to start using it.
A local resident shared his thoughts:
— “In the 21st century, adults might manage without Wi-Fi for a while, but for the youth, it’s practically impossible. This is a great idea that helps us keep up with the times”.
Residents thanked Radio NOR for the initiative, calling it a valuable contribution to the city and a step towards greater digital progress in the region.
Future Prospects
The project is set to expand and has the potential to serve as a model for other regions in Georgia. Free internet can become a catalyst for economic, cultural, and tourism growth, making communities more connected and informed.
This project represents more than technological infrastructure. It’s a strategic intervention in community information ecology, challenging external narratives and empowering local voices through deliberate, innovative digital access.
