Free Public Wi-Fi Launched In Cambridge

Cambridge has become one of the first UK city’s to rollout free public Wi-Fi as part of a year long trial that begins just days before the Tour de France pitches up in the city on 7 July.

The trial has been launched by Connecting Cambridgeshire and the University of Cambridge with the service being run on BskyB’s The Cloud network that has upwards of 22,000 hotspots across the UK.

"Developing wider public access Wi-Fi and improving mobile coverage is part of the Connecting Cambridgeshire programme's drive for better connectivity across the county, which is vital in an increasingly digital world. This trial paves the way for improving wireless connectivity across the city and beyond,” said Councillor Steve Count, Leader of Cambridgeshire County Council.

Over 20 new Wi-Fi access points have been installed on lighting poles, CCTV posts and public buildings in key locations across Cambridge including Parker’s Piece, King’s Parade, the Senate House and the area surrounding the city’s market.

Users that want to take advantage of the free service can connect by logging in or registering via a shared landing page on The Cloud. This will provide links to various pieces of information and event updates, with a map of the different locations covered available here.

"Cambridge has a global reputation for innovation. We want to enhance this by ensuring we are digitally connected, making sure people can access the Internet on the go,” said Councillor Lewis Herbert, Leader of Cambridge City Council. "This is just the beginning of our plans to expand public access Wi-Fi for the city and beyond, so more people can share the benefits of being connected where-ever they are."

Demand for the service will be monitored over the next 12 months and this will be used to decide if the scheme will be extended further in the future.