Council announce free Wi-Fi

The Public Wi-Fi Scheme is being introduced by Derry City Council’s Business Opportunities team working in partnership with local landlords, and is funded through the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s Urban Broadband Fund. The scheme is one strand of a three part programme being delivered as part of the national Super Connected Cities programme.

Speaking on the launch Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said: “This is fantastic news for Derry and will transform the digital landscape of the city centre. For business, visitors and the public, accessing wifi in our cities is absolutely vital. These free hotspots will be instrumental in making Derry even more appealing as somewhere to not only do business, but to visit as well.”

The free service was launched this week in Londonderry’s Guildhall, Derry City Council Offices, the Shared Future Centre and Foyle Valley Railway, and will be extended to all public buildings and amenity sites including the Brandywell Stadium, City of Derry Airport, Templemore Sports Complex, the new Foyle Arena, Brooke Park, and the Millennium Forum early in the New Year.

The initiative is geared towards increasing digital engagement and energising cultural and economic activity within the city. The network will be available for free public use, with the benefits of being easy to connect, filtered for user protection and scalable for future expansion.

Business Opportunities Manager with Derry City Council Louise Breslin, said the scheme would benefit a wide range of users. “I am delighted that we will soon be able to offer this service throughout our public buildings, which will make a difference to both visitors and local people using the city centre.

“Derry has already established itself as a city at the forefront of digital developments, and this will further enhance our profile in terms of being a first rate provider of broadband services. Derry City Council remains committed to delivering the very best digital infrastructure in Europe and this is the next step in realising that goal.”

The scheme will be managed by Derry City Council, and ICT Manager Paul Jackson explained how to easily access the service.

“The public can sign up to avail of free public Wi-Fi through a simple one step registration process which will allow users unlimited access – and they won’t have to re-register if they change location,” he explained.

“The service can be accessed from all portable devices including iPads and mobile phones, and parents will be delighted to hear that filters will be in place to block inappropriate web material, so it’s safe for children to register. It couldn’t be simpler, safer or more convenient.”

The scheme will be delivered with support by Atlas Communications, and Atlas General Manager Mark Skillen said: “Atlas are delighted to have been chosen to work with DCC on to provide free Wi-Fi in a number of public buildings and amenity sites in Derry City Council area. For the citizens of the area and visitors to the city using these buildings, Wi-Fi access using their mobile device is a matter of registering once to get online at any of the sites.”

To find out more about the scheme, and for a full list of buildings where free Wi-Fi will become available go to www.derrycity.gov.uk/superconnectedderry