Virgin Media Business rolls out free service in collaboration with Bradford and Leeds Councils and Global Reach Technology.
Virgin Media Business has today (March 4th) introduced free Wi-Fi to Bradford’s City Park as part of a small cell service collaboration with Global Reach Technology and Bradford and Leeds Councils.
Bradford’s City Park area is now the second area in the region to offer free Wi-Fi, after the service was initially brought to Bridge Street city centre.
The development will now enable businesses and visitors to the area to access the Internet directly from their smartphones and tablets, whilst also laying the foundations upon which mobile network operators can build greater capacity into their existing network to create the next generation of 3G and 4G data services.
Commenting on the free Wi-Fi rollout, Kevin Baughan, director of wireless at Virgin Media Business, said: “City Park is now the second site in Bradford City Centre to benefit from free public Wi-Fi and we’re delighted to have played a key part in making it happen.
“The use of mobile devices like smartphones has rocketed in the last few years, meaning that everyone wants access to faster Internet services on the move. Using our superfast fibre network we’ve been able to provide the cities of Leeds and Bradford with superfast Wi-Fi services. We've also laid the foundations to support mobile operators in the future rollout of high capacity overlays for 3G and 4G mobile services using the next generation of small cell technology."
Bradford Council Leader, councillor David Green, also added: "This super connectivity is all about making the city a better place to live and work. We want to boost the economy and boost investment in the city.
"We have launched our City Centre Growth Zone and free Wi-Fi is an essential component of that. It is an extra bonus to businesses along with the rate relief they can receive if they boost jobs here.
"It is also an advantage for visitors and tourists as well as businesses in the city."
Nigel Wesley, chief executive for Global Reach Technology, concluded: "There is a massive wireless land grab taking place all over the UK. The super connected city initiative means a great deal for cities like Bradford as they focus on growth and regeneration for local businesses, visitors and residents.
"The Wi-Fi networks we are building are great examples of projects that are making the vision of super connected cities a reality and enabling future prosperity and innovation and we are delighted to have been a part of this project with Bradford Council and Virgin Media Business."
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