The City of Edinburgh Council has agreed to a 10-year concession contract with intechnologyWiFi to bring free WiFi coverage and improved mobile coverage to Edinburgh city centre, providing residents and visitors with access to free, high-speed internet connectivity, 24/7. The programme has been funded by the UK Government as part of its SuperConected Cities programme which saw more than £5m awarded to Edinburgh. The WiFi network is central to the Council’s plans for growing the city economy and encouraging residents and visitors to stay longer and increase their spend. Users of the service will also benefit from savings to their mobile data plans, by being able to access the internet at no cost, and without restrictions on time, while on-the-go. The announcement comes as new online YouGov research has revealed that nearly (43%) of Britons are frustrated by the lack of free, public WiFi networks available across the UK, while one in four people (24%) would be more likely to stay longer in a town or city centre with access to free WiFi. To this end, the WiFi network could drive greater footfall in Edinburgh’s city centre, supporting the high street and local economy, while making it easier for tourists to access city information (attractions, places to eat, directions, etc.) online.

intechnologyWiFi is installing and operating the WiFi network at no cost to the council, and has been granted exclusive use of the council’s street furniture and properties to locate the state-of-the-art equipment required to provide seamless, easy-to-access internet coverage to users – distinct from the traditional hotspot model, which usually provides connectivity in a very small or specific area. intechnologyWiFi recently agreed a major deal with The Football League to provide stadium WiFi connectivity and mobile applications to clubs across its portfolio.

Plans for the installation are being finalised, with the WiFi network set to be rolled-out in a phased basis over summer and autumn.  Councillor Frank Ross, Digital Champion, said: “This is great news as everyone will be able to get free access to the latest information on their favourite apps and websites while they are out and about. It will be particularly beneficial for the millions of residents and visitors who enjoy our festivals each year. “This project is central to the council’s plans for growing the city economy, and encouraging residents and visitors to stay longer and increase their spend.”

The launch of the WiFi network is the final project of the council’s Connected Capital Programme, which aims to make Edinburgh one of the best-connected cities in Britain. Residents and visitors to the city are already benefitting from free WiFi on all trams and Lothian Buses, as well as in just under 70 key public buildings. Additionally, the broadband voucher scheme (which is now closed) has provided over over 970 businesses in the Edinburgh City Region with faster broadband connections, allowing businesses to be more productive and efficient.

Edinburgh is one of 22 cities across the UK that has benefitted from the UK Government’s £150m Super Connected Cities Programme, managed by Broadband Delivery UK. UK Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “I’m delighted that Edinburgh have delivered another element of the UK’s Superconnected Cities as part of the Government programme. It’s vital that our cities have the digital infrastructure like place to deal with the demands of the digital age. Our investment in the Edinburgh Wireless Concession will deliver a welcome boost to the local economy, and provide an extremely useful facility for residents and visitors alike.”