07 July 2015
Watford Borough Council hopes free public Wi-Fi will help regenerate the town centre.
Watford Borough Council plans to roll out a free public Wi-Fi network harnessing what’s claimed to be a unique connectivity solution provided by intechnologyWiFi.
The two organisations are currently discussing a start date for the deployment. intechnologyWiFi says that once this has been decided, a full installation of the network infrastructure should take around 3-4 weeks. The firm says it plans to implement network infrastructure that uses “state-of-the-art” 3x3 MIMO technology and the latest chipsets, providing maximum coverage across the 5GHz and 2.4 GHz bands.
Upon completion, the new network promises to provide “seamless and always on” connectivity at no cost and without time or bandwidth limitations. While connecting users to smooth, high-speed internet, intechnologyWiFi says it will support the area as it makes the transition to becoming a smart town, and enable residents to benefit from the Internet of Things.
Harrogate-based intechnologyWiFi is owned by Peter Wilkinson, the technology entrepreneur who pioneered the first free consumer internet service with the launch of Freeserve in the 1990s.
The company claims it can offer a unique solution because it possesses its own hardware and software as well as the in-house expertise needed to design, install and maintain a “seamless” public Wi-Fi network from conception to completion. The firm adds that all this is totally free and at no risk to the customer and users.
intechnologyWiFi’s offering also includes the development and delivery of an accompanying content package that can help drive revenue streams from usage of the network. In Watford, it will provide a smartphone app for the council which, as well as serving as a local information resource for residents and visitors, could also help to promote local businesses and deliver services through digital platforms.
“Equipping Watford’s residents, visitors and businesses alike with the latest Wi-Fi technology – completely free – is a decisive step in transforming the town into a digital leader,” says CEO Natalie Duffield. “The accompanying smartphone app could, in time, potentially enable users to access services, report problems or engage with the community online.”
Watford Borough Council MD Manny Lewis says the town centre is a key regeneration site. He believes the introduction of Wi-Fi will not only help residents and visitors get online, it will support business by increasing “dwell time” in the area.
