Workers in London’s financial district will be able to access the internet in the streets and open spaces across the Square Mile later this year when a wireless network is installed in the area.
The City of London Corporation, which is responsible for local government in the Square Mile, will roll out the ‘wi-fi network’ over the next six months, using technology from network operator The Cloud.
The corporation, which is paying nothing towards the costs of the project, will give The Cloud access to lampposts, road signs and other “street furniture” which will be used to install the network infrastructure.
The Cloud’s open network system will also allow service providers to use it to deliver a range of services including high-speed internet access, e-mail, music, video and voice-over wi-fi services to their customers.
Michael Snyder, chairman of the City of London’s policy committee, said: “We feel it is important to provide this technology to maintain our position as the world’s leading international financial centre.
“City workers and visitors will be able to use wireless broadband to work more efficiently; staying in touch with their office via hand-held devices while on the move.”
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The Cloud recently announced plans to set up a string of public wireless local area networks in cities across the UK. The company has already set up a wi-fi zone covering the Canary Wharf area of London’s Docklands.
