China’s southernmost province of Hainan is piloting a programme to grant select corporate users broad access to the global internet, a rare move in a country known for having some of the world’s most restrictive online censorship, as the island seeks to transform itself into a global free-trade port.
Employees of companies registered and operating in Hainan can apply for the “Global Connect” mobile service through the Hainan International Data Comprehensive Service Centre (HIDCSC), according to the agency, which is overseen by the state-run Hainan Big Data Development Centre.
Once approved, users will gain access to the global internet at no additional cost, according to an HIDCSC representative, who declined to be named because the person was not authorised to speak to news media. There are currently no restrictions on company size or business scope, and the service has attracted significant business interest, the person said.
