Journalists at Sochi Olympics not to be charged for Internet access

PanARMENIAN.Net - Journalists reporting from the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics will not be charged for Internet access, chief organizer Dmitry Chernyshenko said Thursday, Nov 8.

Reporters covering the London 2012 Games were asked for 90 to 150 pounds for connectivity essential for their jobs.

But at Sochi, journalists will have free 10 megabit Wi-Fi Internet access at the media center and all the major venues after organizers struck a deal with Russian communications company Rostelecom.

"This will support a maximally open approach to coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games," Chernyshenko said.

The Internet speed is not guaranteed, and for those needing it such as photographers who wish to send high-resolution pictures to editing desks there will be the option to pay for an upgrade.

The Games start February 7, 2014.