It should soon be even easier to access your favourite websites on the move following the go ahead for Southampton to become a "first-class Wi-Fi and next generation enabled wireless city".

Southampton is one of the first cities in the south to go ahead with the installation of Wi-Fi technology in busy locations, enabling residents and visitors to access the internet while out and about. The council says the project will start being rolled out in the city centre, waterfront and key transport corridors, "with the potential to extend coverage over time".

Council-owned structures, such as street lights, will be made available for service provider Arqiva to install the wireless network. Access will be free for a period of 30 minutes per day, with a paid service available beyond that time. This means people will be able to access websites relating to their travel or leisure plans, or their shopping needs free of charge.

'Digital city'

"I'm delighted that Southampton is well on the way to becoming a leading digital city with residents and visitors soon able to have free access to the internet in a range of locations," said council leader Cllr Simon Letts. "There are a great many potential social and economic benefits to the city in providing such a service, and it aligns with our priority to promote Southampton and attract investment."

The initial five-year contract with Arqiva, which is currently rolling out a similar scheme in Manchester, apparently comes at no cost to the council, and will provide a small income.

Work is expected to start on the scheme within the next three months.

Pic under CC2 by zcopley