London's Square Mile to get WiFi

The City of London Corporation has unveiled plans to install a "dense and comprehensive" WiFi internet network throughout London’s Square Mile.

The City Corporation has entered into a partnership deal with WiFi network operator The Cloud who will install and manage the network.

The new project in the Square Mile will reinforce its status as being a technologically advanced world financial and business centre.

Michael Snyder, Chairman of the City of London’s Policy Committee, said: “We feel it is important to provide this technology to maintain our position as the world’s leading international financial centre.

"City workers and visitors will be able to use wireless broadband to work more efficiently; staying in touch with their office via hand-held devices while on the move."

Expected to go live in the next few months with virtually all the City covered within six months, the WiFi network will be installed in existing street furniture including lamp posts and street signs, allowing City workers and visitors with WiFi-enabled devices to access the internet on streets and in open spaces.

The Cloud’s open network concept means any service provider can use this new WiFi network to provide services to its customers.

George Polk, CEO of The Cloud, said: “This announcement further underlines The Cloud’s leadership in city WiFi networks and WiFi’s status as a vital technology in the business environment. Our network will significantly enhance the capabilities of the 350,000 or so City workers by providing easy access and user friendly terms for City businesses, workers and visitors alike.”

Supported applications will include high-speed internet access, email access, music, video and other entertainment services, and voice over WiFi services.

Launched in mid 2003, The Cloud actively partners with O2, BT, Vodafone, Skype, Nintendo and Intel, among others, to facilitate the growth of wireless broadband services across Europe.

(SP/KMcA)