BT has been given the all clear to provide cutting edge Wi-Fi to the city of Glasgow and enhance its existing wireless coverage, reports heraldscotland.com.
The Telecoms giant has been named the preferred bidder for a proposal to boost the city’s wireless network before Glasgow plays host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
In doing so, the company has earnt the very first concession to provide free public Wi-Fi connections around the city.
The concession system will grant BT a licence to attach wireless technology to council-owned street furniture and property, allowing the company to improve current Wi-Fi, 3G and 4G connections within Glasgow.
Plans for the city’s improved wireless network include the delivery of 50-80 wireless access points in high footfall areas, which should ensure Glasgow’s most popular areas are catered for in the lead up to the event.
As reported by itv.com, the Commonwealth Games will run from July 23 through until August 3.
BT will also be required to install free Wi-Fi connections at transport hubs around the city centre and parts of the East End, with connections around Glasgow’s community centres arriving at a later date.
Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, reaffirmed his goal to make Glasgow “even more digitally literate and connected” whilst stressing the advantages in doing so.
“Free Wi-Fi offers fantastic social, educational and economic opportunities and providing this in our community centres means everyone in Glasgow will have the chance to take advantage of these benefits.”
Mr Matheson went on to back Wi-Fi to play a key role in boosting Glasgow’s reputation as a digitally-connected city.
