Organisers announce reduced charge for wi-fi service following anger over Commonwealth Games internet rate cards

Glasgow 2014 organisers have cut the cost of media internet access at this year's Commonwealth Games while also offering up to 200 free accounts for "the most financially in need" accredited media organisations.

The decision comes after criticism from the likes of international sports journalists' association AIPS, who labelled original plans to charge a rate card of £95 for wireless media internet, £70 for access to the MyGamesInfo results service and £265 for photographers as "unacceptable".

Although there is no change to the charge for MyGamesInfo access or the photographers package, the cost of a wi-fi service account has been halved to £47.50, with each account now able to be accessed by up to two devices simultaneously.

Organisers also announced that a number of free accounts would be made available to accredited media organisations deemed by the Scottish Government and the Commonwealth Games Federation to be "the most financially in need".

"Our vision is to stage an outstanding athlete-centred, sport-focused Games that will be celebrated across the Commonwealth and generate enormous pride in Glasgow and Scotland," said Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg. "We welcomed the opportunity to work together with accredited media organisations to ensure the right provision for those covering the Games.

"Reduced wi-fi costs and a number of free accounts available to those media organisations in most financial need will benefit Glasgow 2014 and allow the story of the Games to be told more widely.

"Fast and reliable high-speed cable and wi-fi communications, together with full technical support for what will be the most comprehensive service provided at any Commonwealth Games to date, does have a cost, however, so some charges will remain."

AIPS welcomed the news, with AIPS president Gianni Merlo commenting: "We are pleased that the initially proposed cost has now been halved. We believe this will be positive news for our members and will enhance what the media is able to offer when reporting the Games."

Media organisations to have already purchased accounts at the initial rate will receive a refund, while nominations from media outlets for the free wi-fi accounts should be sent to [email protected] by June 23.

When it comes to charging for internet access, there was also a fee at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, though the facility was free at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games and recent Sochi 2014 Winter Games.