COSMOTE: Free WiFi for all visitors at the archaeological sites of the Acropolis and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. 11/01/2021
- Meeting between the Minister of Culture & Sports and the Chairman & CEO of the OTE Group
- Signing of the extension of the cooperation memorandum - a total of 25 archaeological sites & museums throughout Greece with free WiFi
- €3 million investment by COSMOTE
Free WiFi is available to visitors at major archaeological sites, in the framework of the partnership between COSMOTE and the Ministry of Culture and Sports for the provision of free WiFi at significant archaeological sites and museums in Greece. With the extension of the memorandum of cooperation between the two parties, the Ministry of Culture and Sports has selected a total of 25 points of major cultural & historical interest. COSMOTE already offers free broadband services at thirteen sites of cultural interest, while it is continuing with the creation of infrastructure at the remaining sites, with the company’s total investment exceeding 3 million Euros.
Free access to broadband services at archaeological sites and museums provides visitors with the opportunity to easily search for information about the monuments, to share their experience online and on social media, and it also allows cultural agencies to develop new ways of providing tours and hospitality to the public.
A meeting was held to sign the extension of the memorandum of cooperation at the Ministry of Culture, between the Minister of Culture and Sports Lina Mendoni and the Chairman and CEO of the OTE Group Michael Tsamaz, during which they discussed the partnership, the progress of the projects under way, and the potential the technology offers in highlighting our cultural heritage.
“I would like to thank Mr. Tsamaz,” Mrs. Mendoni stated, “as well as all the personnel and partners involved in this sponsorship by the OTE Group for the provision of WiFi networks at the country’s major archaeological sites and museums. This program started some years ago, but now it is being upgraded and extended to 25 sites in total of high cultural and historical interest. I also would like to convey the spirit of the discussion that took place a few months ago in the Central Archaeological Council, when it had to submit an opinion so that we could get to where we are today, with the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation. We are creating an upgraded environment that will provide a different and even better experience for thousands of Greek and foreign visitor by providing them with digital services through WiFi at the archaeological sites. This is important for the Ministry’s Services, because through the infrastructure OTE is providing, we can implement various telemetric and remote monitoring services, including expansion of the e-ticket service, which the Ministry and the competent Organization for Management and Development of Cultural Resources have already planned and is under way. This is why, on everyone’s behalf – on behalf of my team and the Ministry Services – I sincerely thank the company and Mr. Tsamaz for their contribution. It is extremely important, because it enhances the ways in which we can protect the country’s cultural heritage, it promotes Greek culture, openness, and it supports the modern services that the Greek state needs to provide to its visitors.”
“Our partnership with the Ministry of Culture and Sports allows us to use the power of technology to highlight our cultural heritage, while multiplying the impact of our history. Through new generation network infrastructure and free WiFi, we send audio and video from our most important monuments to the whole world, enhancing Greece's modern digital image”, pointed out Mr Tsamaz, while he added: “At COSMOTE we support our culture and history, because their awareness is a compass for the future. Only by knowing our roots can we know where we are going. With our positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment, we are creating a better world for all.”
The archaeological sites and museums that already have free WiFi are: The archaeological site of the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine & Christian Museum, the Palace of the Grand Master and the Archaeological Museum in the Medieval city of Rhodes, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki, the Archaeological site of Knossos, the Archaeological site and Museum of Delphi, Ancient Epidaurus, the Acropolis and Museum of Mycenae, Spinalonga, Ancient Corinth, the Archaeological site of Delos, the Archaeological site of Ancient Thera.
Soon, the following locations will also have free WiFi: Ancient Olympia, the Lindos Acropolis, the Archaeological site of Sounio, the Royal Tombs of Aigai (Vergina) and the new Museum in Vergina, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, Ancient Dodoni, the Archaeological site of Ancient Nemea, Mystras, the Archaeological site and Museum of Eleutherna, the Fortress of Palamidi, the New Archaeological Museum of Chania.
The free WiFi programme at significant archaeological sites and museums by COSMOTE in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture and Sports, highlights Greek history and culture through the power of modern technology.
Recent articles
The World Robot Olympiad 2023 welcomes 7 Greek teams
The 7 teams that will represent Greece at the World Robot Olympiad™ 2023, to be held from 7 to 9 November in Panama,...