Broadband News

Swindon to become UK’s first wifi town

Wednesday, 18 November 2009

By Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

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The town of Swindon is set to become the first in the UK to provide free wireless broadband access to all of its residents.

The innovative scheme will see a “wifi mesh” provided by a £1 million public-private partnership under the brand name Signal.

This is a truly groundbreaking partnership which will have real benefits

According to the council, the whole community will receive free wireless broadband access as well as free line rental, with pay as you go broadband options available for visitors and occasional users as well as faster subscriptions.

The free element of the service will allow web surfing and email access though customers will not be able to stream or download online TV without upgrading, for example.

Rod Bluh, Swindon Borough Council leader, said: “This is a truly groundbreaking partnership which will have real benefits for everyone living in Swindon.

“Not only will residents in the Borough be able to access the internet for free, the Council and its partners will be able to use the technology to provide cutting edge services to the areas or individuals who need them.”

The cost of installing the 1,400 secure access points will be covered by charging users for faster downloads or “unlimited broadband” packages, said the council.

Subscribers will be able to upgrade to speeds of up to 20Mb for far less per month than major broadband providers currently charge, it has been claimed.

The first phase of the scheme will go live in December, with the project being completed by April next year. Pricing details are yet to be confirmed.

Michael Phillips, Broadbandchoices.co.uk product director, said: “This really is an exciting development that will bring huge benefits, such as helping people on low-incomes to get online, allowing them to take advantage of the educational, employment and financial benefits that the internet has to offer - without having to commit to a monthly fee for their broadband.”