UK government to bring free wi-fi to public buildings across Cardiff
Thirty public buildings in Cardiff are to be transformed into free wi-fi hotspots thanks to UK government investment.
Cardiff is the first Welsh city to join the programme which will see more than 1,000 public buildings across the UK fitted with free wi-fi.
This is part of the government’s £150million SuperConnected Cities programme - with up to £12.6million being invested in Wales.
Over the coming months, libraries, museums, civic centres and business centres will begin to offer free wi-fi in Cardiff.
Venues set to benefit include Cardiff Castle, Central Library, the New Theatre, St David’s Hall and City Hall. All are on track to go live by March 2015.
Digital Economy Minister Ed Vaizey said:
The digital landscape of the UK is undergoing a period of tremendous improvement and is all part of the government’s long term economic plan. For business, visitors and the UK public, accessing wi-fi in our cities is absolutely vital.
I’m delighted this government scheme is on track. These free hotspots will be instrumental in making UK cities even more attractive as places to not only do business, but to visit as well.
Wales Office Minister Alun Cairns said:
I want Cardiff to have world class internet connectivity so businesses, families and visitors can take full advantage of the increasing demands of the digital age.
So it’s great news that 30 public buildings across the city are set to be fitted with free wi-fi. This is a big boost for our capital city and will make Cardiff an even more attractive place to live, work and invest in.
The other UK cities to benefit from free wifi are Aberdeen, Belfast, Brighton & Hove, Birmingham, Cambridge, Derby, Derry, Edinburgh, Leeds/Bradford, London, Manchester, Oxford, Perth, Portsmouth and Salford.