The Guardian reports that the City of London is to offer ubiquitous wireless internet access, with hardware installed in lampposts and street signs. Internet provider The Cloud is joining with the City of London Corporation to turn the entire business area into a gigantic Wi-Fi hotspot.
"We feel it is important to provide this technology to maintain our position as the world's leading international financial centre," said Michael Snyder, a spokesman for the City of London. "We are responding to the increasing time pressures faced by City workers by providing the technology for them to stay up to date."
As many as 350,000 workers could get internet access on the move through their laptop or palmtop computers. Users will pay through business subscriptions or pay-as-you-go accounts. The operators hope to offer access within six months.
Wi-Fi hotspots, which operate by broadcasting internet signals across radio frequencies, enable anyone with a wireless-enabled device to surf the web. Because of the City's high buildings and narrow streets, more than 150 beacons will be needed to ensure coverage. The network, which is being paid for by The Cloud, will also provide access for the emergency services and other public bodies.
"We have strong demand from existing customers for coverage in high density and high profile locations like the City of London," said George Polk, The Cloud's chief executive.
"We feel it is important to provide this technology to maintain our position as the world's leading international financial centre," said Michael Snyder, a spokesman for the City of London. "We are responding to the increasing time pressures faced by City workers by providing the technology for them to stay up to date."
As many as 350,000 workers could get internet access on the move through their laptop or palmtop computers. Users will pay through business subscriptions or pay-as-you-go accounts. The operators hope to offer access within six months.
Wi-Fi hotspots, which operate by broadcasting internet signals across radio frequencies, enable anyone with a wireless-enabled device to surf the web. Because of the City's high buildings and narrow streets, more than 150 beacons will be needed to ensure coverage. The network, which is being paid for by The Cloud, will also provide access for the emergency services and other public bodies.
"We have strong demand from existing customers for coverage in high density and high profile locations like the City of London," said George Polk, The Cloud's chief executive.