Camden launches free on-street Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi in streets and open spaces is being launched by a London borough in a bid to better connect people and ensure everyone has web access on the go.

Camden Council has led 16 other local authorities which have signed deals so residents, businesses and tourists can access 30 minutes of free Wi-Fi every day from smartphones, laptops and tablets. After 30 minutes users will be able to buy extra web time.

Income generated over the ten-year life of the contract with Arqiva will be ploughed back in to supporting digital innovation firms.

It will be rolled out from June 1 with 212,000 residents expected to benefit from the 3G and 4G networks, creating an “outdoor urban network”.

Camden’s cabinet member for finance, Theo Blackwell, said: “Our aim is to make Camden one of the most connected places in the country.

“It will also be a huge benefit to businesses which will be able to trial new advertising techniques to better target their customers.

“Our large number of visitors and tourists will benefit from being able to access online information about events nearby and find information to visit local shops, bars and restaurants.”