The rollout of free Wi-Fi in busy Southampton locations will begin over the next 12 months, according to the council.
The scheme, announced in August, will start in the city centre, waterfront and along key transport routes, with “the potential to extend coverage in the future”.
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Service provider Arqiva will use council-owned structures such as streetlights to install the network. Access will be free for 30 minutes each day, with a paid service available after that. Unlimited, free access to online council services will also be offered.
“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 Cllr Simon Letts, leader of Southampton City Council. "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.”
Those wishing to connect should look for `_WiFi_Here` in their list of access points. In March it will be renamed `southamptonwifi`.
The council says the service comes at no cost e to the council, and that it will in fact provide a small income.