M(obile)-KAOHSIUNG, the program aimed at building a WiMAX network across the city to facilitate wireless data transmission, was launched in August 2006, with the Industrial Development Bureau and the Chunghwa Telecom Company, Taiwan's largest telecommunication services provider, providing financial subsidies.

Under the program, which is estimated to cost US$18.5 million, 25 base transceiver stations will be built in districts surrounding the main venues for The World Games to turn the city into a barrier-free environment for data transmission.

So far, five base stations have been completed, most of which are located along the Love River flowing through the city, the officials said.

In addition, the M-KAOHSIUNG will weave a security network by involving 1,000 Internet-equipped yellow cabs and installing mobile camera devices on 300 police vehicles to safeguard athletes and participants in The World Games 2009, which will be the largest international sporting event the city has ever hosted.

WiMAX, or Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a telecommunications technology aimed at providing wireless connectivity over long distances in a variety of ways, from point-to-point links to full mobile cellular-type access.

From an article in the Taipei Times 21/12/07. Click here!