MANCHESTER residents can now access the internet from 80 city centre on-street WiFi points, as the latest phase of the planned extension nears completion.

FreebeeMCR is the second largest WiFi network in the country and offers 30 minutes of free use per day to city centre residents and visitors.

“The move to extend free WiFi across the city centre forms part of our ambition to become a world-leading digital city by 2020."

The expansion aims to make sure that people can easily connect to the net by way of their smartphones, tablets and computers as they move around the city centre.

Access points are now available on the following streets:

  • Albert Square
  • Auburn Street
  • Bridge Street
  • Cross Street
  • Deansgate
  • Exchange Square (The Triangle)
  • Fountain Street
  • John Dalton Street
  • King Street
  • King Street West
  • Lower Mosley Street
  • Market Stret
  • Mount Street
  • Mosley Street
  • Oxford Road
  • Oxford Street
  • Peter Street
  • Piccadilly
  • Portland Street
  • Princess Street
  • Quay Street
  • Shudehill
  • Spring Gardens
  • St Mary’s Gate
  • St Mary’s Street
  • St Peter’s Square
  • Watson Street
  • Whitworth Street West
  • Windmill Street
  • Withy Grove
  • York Street

Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The move to extend free WiFi across the city centre forms part of our ambition to become a world-leading digital city by 2020. Improving internet access for our residents, visitors and businesses brings huge social benefits and also helps to boost the city’s economy.”

FreebeeMCR is run by communications infrastructure and media services company Arqiva, at no cost to the city.  

Paul Hellings, Director of WiFi at Arqiva, said: “Providing the connectivity to cities like Manchester affords both businesses and residents economic and social benefits.

"Staying connected when out and about is nothing short of a necessity for many of us and we’re priding ourselves on the wireless infrastructure we’re bringing to UK cities."

The next planned stage of expansion will take the free service beyond the city centre to selected district high streets.

Search www.manchester.gov.uk, www.visitmanchester.com or www.tfgm.com - for free WiFi on an unlimited basis.