MANCHESTER City Council and Transport for Greater Manchester have announced a deal with Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, to roll out free public WiFi access across Manchester city centre.
The first locations for the new WiFi network go live on Friday
On top of this, because it is a wholesale network, many users should be able to access WiFi as part of their contracts with mobile network and broadband operators from early next year.
Arqiva will create free citywide public internet access for people on the move, providing up to 30 minutes access to the internet through the _FreeBeeMcr WiFi network with unlimited access to public sector websites such as www.manchester.gov.uk and Visit Manchester.
On top of this, because it is a wholesale network, many users should be able to access WiFi as part of their contracts with mobile network and broadband operators from early next year.
The move comes as an increasing number of people are using mobile devices to access the Internet, with Ofcom stating that nearly half of UK adults own a smartphone and the percentage is even high for under 24 year olds; 40 per cent of Manchester city centre's population is under 24.
The WiFi roll out will be in three phases with the first phase starting just before Christmas 2012 in a number of high footfall public spaces, such as St Peter's Square, Albert Square and Cross Street with further city centre locations to follow.
The second phase, to follow in spring 2013, will take in transport hubs and stops along key routes used by train, bus and Metrolink passengers.
The final stage, from summer 2013, will extend the services to other areas of the city with a high footfall such as shopping centres.
Councillor Nigel Murphy, Executive Member for Environment at Manchester City Council, said: "Providing improved Internet access for Manchester residents, businesses and visitors promotes social inclusion and economic growth.
"We want to ensure that Manchester residents and visitors get the most out of the city and giving them free WiFi access will mean they have a wealth of information and services at their fingertips.”
People should be aware the 30 minutes are consecutive from the moment of registration (the first time) or connection, and can't be spread across the day. You can't surf for gambling or porn of course.
At the end of the 30 minutes you'll be redirected to a portal where you can connect to your usual service provider or buy extra time off Arqiva.
Other info
Manchester's free Wifi can be accessed on _FreebeeMcr Wi-Fi. Apple users access the network by choosing options and then following prompts. People using Windows or Android equipment will be able to get onto the network manually by accepting prompts.
As for iPhone users Confidential's chasing whether they will have to go through their WiFi settings.
In September, Manchester City Council secured £12 million of government funding to spread the advantages of ultrafast broadband. The Manchester Digital City plans, which it will fund, aim to make ultrafast broadband available to 228,000 premises in total with the aspiration that the latest government funding will help bring it to 27,700 residents and 6,200 businesses by 2015.
