Manchester plans for largest free Wi-Fi zone in Europe

City angles for £3 million in government competition

4 December 2006 14:17 GMT / By Amber Maitland

If city councillors have their way, Manchester could play host to the biggest free Wi-Fi hotzone in Europe.

Following similar projects in San Francisco and Amsterdam, coverage would reach 90% of Greater Manchester, if the city finds the right funding.

On 15 December, interested parties, including businesses and investors are being invited to an open day to discuss the project.

It's hoped that the project will strengthen Manchester's bid to win £3 million in funding in the Digital Challenge Initiative competition.

In plans drawn up by the city's Digital Development Agency, the wifi coverage would initially extend to 100 square miles, and would increase to up to 400 square miles in the future.

BT recently announced its plans for blanketing Westminster with Wi-Fi coverage, but that service is a rather expensive pay plan. The city of Norwich currently has the largest free Wi-Fi coverage in the UK; it extends over the centre and three other sectors.

Full tags

Hardware, Networking, Wi-Fi, Manchester