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Free WiFi will now be available across Coventry city centre.

The scheme is being extended so that visitors to the city can stay connected in even more locations.

To access the free WiFi, users need to search for CovFREEWIFI on their mobile device.

Coventry City Council has been working with IntechnologyWiFi to put in place and manage wireless equipment on street furniture and buildings owned by organisations in the city centre.

It means that anyone in the city centre will be able to get real-time transport updates and details of shops and services.

Free WiFi was first introduced to just a few parts of the city centre in November last year.

Digital improvements

Councillor Richard Brown, the council’s digital champion said: “This is fantastic and it’s more evidence of the digital improvements being introduced in Coventry.

“There are lots of ways where the technology being used can help transport and leisure services.

“Digital communications are regarded as the fourth utility service alongside electricity, gas and water so this is going to help business, shoppers and residents.”

Councillor Jim O’Boyle, cabinet member for jobs and regeneration, said: “We all know the importance of digital technology as a means for communications and doing business.

“This news is another important step for Coventry. It’s great that people and businesses can access this free public Wi-Fi via their phones, laptops and computers.

“It’s a boost to the digital economy in the city and it can only encourage hi-tech firms to consider how they can be part of the city’s business growth. Ultimately this will help the continued development of a modern and growing city.”

'Smart City of Culture'

Intechnology WiFi works with local authorities across the UK to offer a ‘digital window to the city’ to engage with users and provide services to support and encourage social and economic activities and the growth of the digital economy.

Natalie Duffield, chief executive of IntechnologyWiFi, said: "Free public WiFi for the benefit of residents, tourists and businesses in Coventry city centre is just the beginning.

“Our network also provides a city-wide platform for the Internet of Things (IoT), one of the first of its kind in the UK.

“This will allow the development of innovative and insightful new applications for use in transport, environment, healthcare, retail and leisure settings.

“The platform is secure and will be open to public and private sector organisations, from council departments which need to deliver public services online to start-ups with great ideas for new products.

"We are excited to be investing in the next UK City of Culture and rolling out our UK technology to connect, inform and engage users for the benefit of everyone with a stake in the success of Coventry, which will become the UK’s first Smart City of Culture."

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