Free urban Wi-Fi scheme launched

IT firm Win yesterday launched a free urban Wi-Fi scheme, which can be offered by a city or town. This project, called Urban Wi-Fi Hotspot, is already used by the city of Seraing, Liège province, which offers free internet access in the Jemeppe neighbourhood. Win’s aim is to sell the concept to other cities and towns. In order to access the Urban Wi-Fi Hotspot, users must first go via a homepage where they can find general information (news from the commune, tourist information, public transport timetables, etc). Under the scheme, each city or town is also free to have hotspots in strategic locations. Financing for this service can come through various channels, such as the rental of advertising space on the Wi-Fi homepage. The project does not replace independently purchased internet subscriptions but is designed to act as a complementary service offered in popular locations, especially where visitors are looking for tourist information.