MORE than 2.2m people in Greater Manchester would have access to a free wireless internet service under an ambitious council plan.
Manchester council wants to launch Europe's largest wireless network, giving access to the internet at any point over an area of up to 400 square miles.
It would put the city at the forefront of the digital age and provide a major boost to businesses and households.
The service would require a `mesh' of small transmitters on lampposts and tall buildings to spread the network across the region. It is hoped it will reach 90 per cent of the population in Greater Manchester.
The authority is inviting private companies to join in the venture, along similar lines to a programme in San Francisco.
Environment
Council leader Sir Richard Leese said: "We are initially hoping to establish a 100 square-mile area covered by the network, with this increasing up to 400 square miles in the future.
"It would help small businesses with internet access and our citizens with improved access to public services. There is nothing on this scale in the UK and I believe it's important that Manchester seizes the initiative and leads the country in developing a truly connected, digital, modern environment."
The council also hopes the plan will boost its bid for up to é3m in government funding as part of the Digital Challenge Initiative. The money will be awarded to the city or region that shows best potential to lead the country in digital advancement.
Dave Carter, of the council's Digital Development Agency, said firms were being invited to comment on the proposals by January 8, before submitting expressions of interest by Easter with a view to having pilots running by late next year.
He said telecoms firms could provide free basic broadband as a loss-leader, offering the option of paying for faster services.
What do you think of the proposals? Have your say.
Tweet
Showing comments 1 to 25 and replies | View All
Ace Riley, manchester (02/12/2006 at 10:42)
Ace Riley, manchester (02/12/2006 at 11:03)
Agnes Murphy, Hulme (02/12/2006 at 17:15)
Peter, Manchester (02/12/2006 at 22:06)
Patrick Sudlow, Hulme (02/12/2006 at 22:23)
Patrick
Fed up, Wythenshaw (03/12/2006 at 08:01)
Dave, Moston (03/12/2006 at 12:17)
Andy, Wythenshawe (03/12/2006 at 20:21)
BTW Wythenshawe had cable installed a decade ago , Cable and wireless ( or was it someone else) killed a load of trees cutting through the roots and made a complete mess of the pavements, wasters.
Colin W, Stockholm (04/12/2006 at 07:05)
Peter, Liverpool (04/12/2006 at 09:03)
But dont they think the ISP's will be angry. Beacuse people all of manchester will cancel there subscription the the internet if proved to work well.?
And also when is this goning to happen in liverpool. ??
june cash, glossop (04/12/2006 at 12:50)
Pru, Frieda (04/12/2006 at 12:59)
Rick Holland, Milton Keynes (04/12/2006 at 13:59)
Maurice Smith, London (04/12/2006 at 14:03)
Come on you guys...what's wrong with trying to make something happen, rather than keep bringing everything down or dredging out past mistakes?
This country seems to be so cynical....and then folk complain about this or that being done overseas rather than here.
Biggles, Norwich (04/12/2006 at 14:56)
John Simms, Salford (04/12/2006 at 15:09)
Maybe the local councils have suddenly had a brainwave ?
Chateau, Chadderton (04/12/2006 at 15:17)
e dixon, radcliffe (04/12/2006 at 15:31)
Ace Riley, manchester (04/12/2006 at 17:15)
rach, sale (09/12/2006 at 03:56)
Karen McDonald, Manchester (27/12/2006 at 21:27)
sharon, manchester (31/12/2006 at 11:37)
Slatchman, Didsbury (12/01/2007 at 13:43)
Bunny Campbell, Manchester (12/01/2007 at 13:46)
Annon, East Manchester (12/01/2007 at 14:40)
I live in Beswick and have used the 'eastserve' network. I can honestly say that it is a load of rubbish. Talk about not working when you need it. The support line is useless! It is more expensive then 'propper' broadband suppliers. This wifi network sounds like yet another waste of taxpayers money like eastserve!!!