The new project in the Square Mile will reinforce its status as being a technologically advanced World financial and business centre. Expected to go live in the next few months with virtually all the City covered within six months, the Wi-Fi network will be installed in existing street furniture including lamp posts and street signs, allowing City workers and visitors with Wi-Fi-enabled devices to access the internet on streets and in open spaces.
The Cloud’s unique open network concept means any service provider can use this new WiFi network to provide services to its customers. Supported applications include high speed internet access, email access, music, video and other entertainment services, and voice over Wi-Fi services
Michael Snyder, Chairman of the City of London’s Policy Committee, said: “We feel it is important to provide this technology to maintain our position as the world’s leading international financial centre. City workers and visitors will be able to use wireless broadband to work more efficiently; staying in touch with their office via hand-held devices while on the move.
“The City is a fast-moving and dynamic environment and we are responding to the increasing time pressures faced by City workers by providing the technology for them to stay up to date, wherever they are in the City.”
George Polk, CEO of The Cloud, said: “This announcement further underlines The Cloud’s leadership in city WiFi networks and Wi-Fi’s status as a vital technology in the business environment. Our network will significantly enhance the capabilities of the 350,000 or so City workers by providing easy access and user friendly terms for City businesses, workers and visitors alike.”
“Increasingly corporate users are turning to Wi-Fi for a range of services, including converged voice services and we have strong demand from existing customers for coverage in high density and high profile locations like the City of London. We expect this trend to continue. In addition, the network is designed to support secure access and private data networks for the emergency services and other public services customers in the City of London such as transport authorities.”