London borough becomes second to obtain BT InLinkUK service with claim it will support digital services drive
Southwark Council has provided the second stage for the roll out of BT’s InLinkUK units with the accompanying free Wi-Fi service.
The company has announced that it is to install more than 100 street units around the London borough, providing access to speeds of up to 1Gbps along with free UK landline and mobile phone calls, along with mobile device charging, access to maps, directions and local services. These will include updates on the Underground service and community messaging.
The council’s leader said the initiative will support its drive to provide digital services.
Councillor Peter John said: “Southwark’s residents, visitors and businesses will benefit hugely from the array of digital services offered by the new InLinkUK from BT street units.
“The enhanced connectivity and easy access to local services will help support Southwark in its ambition to become a digital council.”
BT initiative
Southwark is the second London borough after Camden to receive the service. A spokesperson for BT said it is the company’s initiative but that it needs planning permission from the council for the installation of the units.
It plans to install them in the busiest areas such as shopping streets, business and tourist centres throughout the borough.
Neil Coyle, MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said: “This is a game changer in terms of helping people who may not have the internet at home to access more services online, and make calls. Most importantly, all for free.”
The BT spokesperson said it has longer term plans to provide the InLinkUK service to other London boroughs then to other cities.
Image from BT
