Ever been saved by a free Wi-Fi hotspot when your phone's data connection just wasn't cutting it? Well if it happens to you in east Germany you can literally "Thank God," because churches will be offering free Wi-Fi access appropriately named "Godspots" in order to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's Reformation.

Lack of public Wi-Fi access is a particular issue in Germany due to strict laws (Störerhaftung) that protect intellectual property. Basically, any illegal internet activity (pirating) that happens on a particular network falls onto the network provider and they are held accountable.

These laws make offering Wi-Fi more trouble than its worth, which leaves the public and travelers at a loss. Protestant churches, who want to build up their popularity, are jumping at this opportunity with "Godspots."

Initially in Berlin, over 200 churches will begin to provide free Wi-Fi access, and over time approximately 3,000 churches will join. The churches are trying to rebrand, by promoting communication to reach the younger generations, and thinks the internet is their way in.

Currently Germany doesn't quite keep up with other European countries when it comes to public Wi-Fi, and even though there are plans to lessen the Störerhaftung laws in the near future, the churches are using their "Godspots" to get ahead. If their public Wi-Fi hotspots go as planned the Protestant churches will be one of the leading internet providers in Germany.

Source: Gizmodo

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