States Assembly | Manchester plans free city Wifi

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Manchester plans free city wi-fi WHERE I LIVE

Manchester could become

the biggest free wireless

internet hotspot in Europe

under plans unveiled by the

city council. BMBaCnchester The network, inspired by Information

projects in San Francisco and and features Amsterdam, would cover 90% on the BBC's of Greater Manchester and Manchester reach up to 2.2 million people. Up to 2.2m people could benefit from website Councillors believe the the scheme SCEE ity-AwLiSdeO wi-f

initiative could make the city a leader in driving the UK into rolls out in UK the digital age.

An open day inviting comments on the plans is being held on 03 Jan 06 | 15 December. Technology Interested businesses or individuals can contribute to the Wi-fi cities debate at the Town Hall event either openly or in confidence. sdepabark tehotspot

The initiative is part of Manchester's bid in the government's 20 Oct 05 | Digital Challenge Initiative, a competition that will select a Technology region to qualify for up to £3m in funding. Wireless Competition spur hijacking

Although the proposals are not dependent on winning the under scrutiny competition, the prize would help offset the costs of the

scheme. 2Te8cJhunlo0lo5gy| The initiative is being led by the council's Digital RELATED BBC

Development Agency (DDA), which outlined plans for initial LINKS coverage of 100 square miles, rising to 400 square miles in BBC

the future. Manchester Dave Carter, head of the DDA, said: "The government blwio-g fi on city

competition has spurred us into action on this and really RELATED made us think what an incredible effect on both the business INTERNET and domestic lives of Mancunians such a network would LINKS

have. Manchester "It would help small businesses with web access and our CDiitgy itCalouncil

citizens with access to information." Challenge

If the scheme moves forward, it would be the largest The BBC is municipal wi-fi project envisaged for the UK. not

Some private companies are already planning to create city- responsible wide wi-fi networks in cities such as Manchester, Birmingham fcoorntthenet of

and London through the creation of hundreds of hotzones. external Norwich is already pioneering a free wi-fi project which internet sites covers three sectors of the UK city and its centre. TOP

MANCHESTER STORIES

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