Efforts to make free Wi-Fi more widely available in the UK’s biggest cities could play a part in boosting the country’s regional economies while also protecting and creating jobs, it has been claimed.
Broadband infrastructure projects are being orchestrated across the UK, with the organisers of many focusing heavily on making free Wi-Fi accessible to tourists, locals and businesses.
While many of the schemes are requiring significant investment, analysts from SQW suggested recently that the UK’s economy is boosted by £20 for every £1 spent on internet infrastructure improvements.
Newcastle is one of the cities where work is currently being carried out; earlier this week the city’s council unveiled its new Go Digital Newcastle scheme. This initiative will see 97 per cent of the area’s residents and businesses connected to superfast broadband before the end of the year.
Council leader Nick Forbes was quoted by digitalbydefaultnews.co.uk as saying: “The economic benefits to the city will be significant and further cement Newcastle’s reputation as an exciting place to live and work.
“Go Digital Newcastle will boost the local economy and help create and protect local jobs.”
According to prolificnorth.co.uk, wireless access will be made available in a number of areas across Newcastle’s city centre, including tourist attractions, high streets and important buildings.
Around £9 million of public funding is being invested in the Go Digital Newcastle scheme.
