IN BRIEF | If you're making a trip to the Mecca of electronics, Taiwan, you will soon be able to avoid data roaming fees entirely.

Authorities are setting up free Wi-Fi hotspots in 2,520 locations, including government agencies, tourist attractions and public transport stops.

Taiwan's leader, Ma Ying-jeou, describes free internet access as a "digital right" and says foreign visitors are welcome to make use of it.

It will only run at a speed of 512kbps -- fast enough for basic web browsing and email, but certainly not a replacement for a snappy hotel connection for serious work.

The free Wi-Fi network will be available from 7th October 2011, well in advance of June 5-9 2012, when the world descends on Taipei for the massive Computex expo.