Sports journalism leaders have welcomed a decision by Commonwealth Games organisers to slash charges for wi-fi access for accredited media.

More than 1,500 journalists are accredited to cover the Glasgow 2014 games, which begin on July 23.

As well as halving the cost of accessing the wi-fi service to £47.50, organisers are offering up to 200 free accounts to be made available to the most financially-in-need accredited media organisations

Nominations for the free access will be presented to the Scottish Government and the Commonwealth Games Federation, who will decide who receives the free accounts.

David Walker, chairman of the Sports Journalists Association said: “We warmly welcome Glasgow 2014′s decision, even at this late stage, to reduce the cost of wi-fi for our members.

“Offering free access to those who can least afford it is an excellent innovation. We hope that other organisers of international sports events in Britain follow Glasgow’s lead and ensure that wi-fi access is provided free-of-charge to all working journalists.”

“Our position is clear. Organisers of major sports events should not try to use accredited media as a means of subsidising their operating costs.

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014′s chief executive, added: “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.”

SJA members wishing to be considered for a free wi-fi account at Glasgow 2014 need to make an application by email to [email protected] by 23 June

Accredited media who have not yet ordered their wi-fi account will be able to purchase at the Main Press Centre Rate Card desk on arrival at the Games at the £47.50 + VAT rate.