The Computer Recycling Scheme benefiting students from low-income families will continue, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Frederick Ma says, adding they may also be offered Internet connections at a discounted rate.

In a written reply to lawmaker Cheung Hok-ming's question, Mr Ma said the scheme, launched in 2005-07 with the Council of Social Service, provides students from poor families with recycled computers after refurbishment, along with one-year free Internet connection. About 96% of primary and secondary school students have access to computers at home, mostly with broadband connectivity.

The Government will continue the scheme, and will speak with telecommunications companies about offering students under the scheme Internet connection service at a concessionary rate after the first free year, he added.

IT initiatives

The Government has been implementing initiatives to help needy people access and adopt information technology. More than 100,000 people have joined IT awareness and basic training courses under the "IT Hong Kong" campaign launched in 2000.

District cyber centres have also been set up to boost accessibility of information and communication technology and to offer the public, in particular the under-privileged groups, training opportunities.

"We will also explore with the private sector and non-governmenta; organisations the possibility of setting up more cyber centres staffed by people with technical knowledge to help the public gain access to online information and services, as well as educate them about relevant knowledge," he said

On Wi-Fi services, Mr Ma said there are 6,400 Wi-Fi hotspots serving mor than 4,100 locations in Hong Kong. In major commercial districts, such as Yau Tsim Mong, Central & Western, and Wan Chai, the private service providers already operate more than 1,000 Wi-Fi hotspots.

"As a result of the Wi-Fi initiatives in both the private and public sectors, we expect that ubiquitous access to Internet services would be provided in most built-up areas, including commercial districts, of Hong Kong," Mr Ma added.