Norwich is now a connected city as free Wi-Fi, courtesy of Norwich Business Improvement District (BID), goes live throughout the main city centre. Activities that require an internet connection are no longer confined to home or the office- access to the digital world is now easier than ever whilst out and about in the city centre!
The majority of the city centre- from Chapelfield Gardens to Norwich Castle and covering St Andrew’s Street and Surrey Street – will have free Wi-Fi coverage and download speeds of up to 5MBs per second, bringing a truly connected digital experience to city centre users. Other areas of the city will come online next year.
Stefan Gurney, Executive Director of Norwich BID said, “Our free city centre Wi-Fi scheme puts Norwich at the forefront of technology and provides real value for social media users and the business community. With the technology lifestyles that we all lead, it is now an expectation that a city has Wi-Fi”.
“With Norwich’s reputation as a Tech Nation City it’s vital that we invest in the infrastructure which embraces growth of digital technology for the benefit of visitors and businesses. The city centre free Wi-Fi will further help put Norwich on the map as a technology leading city, and a more connected place to visit, work and live. Connectivity is an important element of everyday life for many people and the free Wi-Fi will enable people to download and access the ‘Discover Norwich’ app, helping people navigate their way and find the latest events going on in the city”.
With consumer habits changing and digital technology playing a greater role in how people shop and conduct their business, and a huge proportion of websites now accessed via mobile and tablet devices, it’s important that the high street stays competitive by embracing developments in technology. The free Wi-Fi allows increased use of innovative applications such as tap and go technology and near field communications, without users having to worry about burning through their monthly data limits.
The Wi-Fi installed is provided by MLL Telecom and provides free public online access throughout public spaces to all visitors within the BID area. Visitors and city centre users can now access the free Wi-Fi to browse the internet, check and send email, or watch as many funny cat videos as they can handle!
The switch on is the culmination of months of planning, co-ordination, project management and partner working. Led by Norwich Business Improvement District, in partnership with Norwich City Council, the free Wi-Fi has been made possible through close working relationships with key city centre businesses.
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Get Connected!
In Wi-Fi settings select ‘Free-Wifi-NorwichBID’. Registration is available through four options (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and registration form). Registration is only required once; afterwards the device will automatically connect to the free WiFi whenever it is in range.
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Notes:
Established in November 2012, the Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) is run for local businesses by local businesses. It is a simple, tried and tested way of increasing economic prosperity for companies of all sizes through collaboration. The BID covers a defined area of Norwich where businesses plan how to improve their trading environment, identifying additional projects and services that develop the city centre and trade.
The Norwich BID free Wi-Fi is available across the city, with the aim of delivering an excellent service to the BID retail and tourist areas. The aim of the initiative is to put Norwich on the map as a technology leading city, and a more connected place to visit, work and live. The project will enable people to easily download and access the ‘Discover Norwich’ app, giving them access to hundreds of shops, restaurants etc.
The free Wi-Fi gives approximately 95% coverage on the main shopping thoroughfare, with 33 Access points for maximum BID coverage and 5mbs minimum download speed.
