Town centre to get free wifi

OLDHAM town centre is set to become a Wi-Fi hotspot thanks to a pilot scheme to provide free wireless internet access.

The council will launch the wireless project next month to support businesses, independent retailers and shoppers.

The borough already has several secluded wireless access points — including the council chambers, Lifelong Learning centres and Oldham Business School — but the new network will go much further.

Dedicated Wi-Fi hotspot zones will be created allowing anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled device — such as a PC or laptop to connect to the internet free of charge.

The pilot, which will cost up to £20,000, is to be made possible by the use of a large antenna on the roof of the civic centre.

This will provide core coverage in the town centre, transmitting a radio signal wirelessly to a user’s Wi-Fi device within an estimated 200-metre radius.

Nodes on lampposts will allow the benefits to be felt as far afield as Union Street and Yorkshire Street.

Councillor Mohib Uddin, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Although it is very much in its early stages, this is an exciting project for Oldham town centre.

“Public Wi-Fi networks, free and paid-for, are spreading quickly across the country.

“Swindon became the UK’s first town to unveil plans to offer free internet access for its population last November and we are keen to get Oldham involved in this revolution as soon as possible.

“The beauty of this scheme is that it is relatively fast to get up and running and it can also be expanded.

“Wi-Fi can bring big potential benefits and convenience to everyone — enabling local businesses, visitors and residents to use the internet and download emails on the go — or while grabbing a coffee — free of charge.”