Member Article

Newcastle and Gateshead to get free Wi-Fi following government-backed deal

A series of free Wi-Fi hotspots are to be established across Newcastle and Gateshead following a government-back deal with Spanish telecoms provider GOWEX.

The public area access, which has received funding from Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) as part of the Go Digital Newcastle initiative, will be available to all and promises a good bandwith speed.

Precise locations of the ‘hotspots’ are yet to be revealed although the scheme has promised to “flood” the city and town with coverage.

GOWEX will begin installing the hotspots this summer and expect to be completed by the beginning of 2015. The work will be carried out in Gateshead by council staff and streetlight contractors in Newcastle.

Leader of Newcastle City Council Cllr Nick Forbes said: “As superfast broadband rolls out across Newcastle, it will make a big difference to businesses and residents who sign up for it.

“But these days, it’s important for people to have access to broadband while they’re on the move too – this investment will put Newcastle and Gateshead in the forefront of UK areas for public Wi-Fi availability.

“People will be able to connect to the Wi-Fi hotspots around city and town centre, high streets and public buildings – free of charge.

“It means they can check their emails, compare prices, select restaurants, book tickets and access public information on the move.”

Cllr Malcolm Graham, Gateshead Council’s Cabinet Member for Employment and Skills added: “This is a fantastic boost for businesses, visitors and residents.

“Being able to connect quickly and easily to the internet is now such an integral part of business and personal life.

“This scheme offering free Wi-Fi in key public areas confirms our commitment to being at the forefront of the digital revolution.”

As a further benefit, people who sign up to access the GOWEX-provided Wi-Fi in Newcastle and Gateshead will be able to connect free in other cities around the world where the company operates.

GOWEX’s chief executive for North Europe, Philip Brown, visited the North East to celebrate the contract at a ceremony held at the Millennium Bridge.

Jenaro Garcia, the company’s chief executive, said: “We are extremely proud that the City of Newcastle and Gateshead have trusted GOWEX to offer to all their citizens and visitors the best free Wi-Fi service in order to transform them in Wireless Smart Cities.

“These contracts create a platform for GOWEX growth in the United Kingdom, as well as in the rest of the world.”

SMEs can apply for free vouchers worth up to £3,000 towards the cost of superfast broadband, via the Go Digital Newcastle scheme. Those interested can find out more here.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .