Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has made funds available to explore the possibility of creating an open access Wi-Fi network across the city.
The project is covered by a £20,000 allocation to business growth agency London & Partners to improve internet connectivity under Khan’s Digital Access for All mission.
The agency will consult with stakeholders including the Wireless Broadband Alliance, mobile network operators, boroughs overseeing key destinations and other cities around the world with experience in delivering open access internet.
The mayor’s office said possible solutions include an OpenRoaming network, a framework of Wi-Fi networks that have adopted the connectivity standards that has already been trialled over small areas of the city including the London Stadium and Canary Wharf.
It added that free Wi-Fi access – a key element of the Visitor Experience Strategy for London – would support business transactions, remote workers and visitors navigating the city.
London & Partners is expected to deliver recommendations early in 2024.
Best experience
London’s chief digital officer, Theo Blackwell, commented: “I want every Londoner and visitor to have the very best experience possible and in our connected world that means having access to fast, reliable, seamless internet access. This consultation will be the first step towards delivering better digital services for all, building a better and more prosperous city for everyone.”
Khan said: “I want every Londoner and visitor to have the very best experience possible and in our connected world that means having access to fast, reliable, seamless internet access. This consultation will be the first step towards delivering better digital services for all, building a better and more prosperous city for everyone.”
Open access Wi-Fi networks are available in the centres of various cities and towns in the UK, with places such as Sunderland extending their availability. But the provision of a city-wide network on the scale of Greater London would be the most ambitious programme of its kind.
