IT and society: Free Wi-Fi access launched in UK

The town of Swindon (Wiltshire, UK) will become Britain’s first Wi-Fi town and free Internet access for its 186,000-strong population. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) enables mobile device such as a personal computer, video game console, mobile phone, MP3 player or personal digital assistant connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network (access points) connected to the Internet.

In April, 2010 1,400 access points will be placed on the street lamps of the town to provide the population with a free Internet access. The service will also be available to visitors of the town, who will pay a one-off fee for access.

The project is initiated by the company Digital City UK, founded by borough council and two private companies Avidity and aQovia. The project is expected to cost £1 million. The private companies will recoup their investment by charging subscriptions for extended access and broadband packages.