Free Wi-Fi is set to be rolled out across Manchester city centre — with advertising boards set to act as giant routers.
The advertising boards, officially called ‘community information panels’ (CIPs), have been installed at 22 locations across the city, and will act as routers for visitors and residents. The 22 locations include King Street, Deansgate, Oldham Street, Peter Street, and Cheetham Hill Road.
Users will be able to select Manchester City Council Wi-Fi network at any ad board which has the Wi-Fi symbol on. The boards will also be able to post emergency messages for ‘critical incidents’, as agreed with GMP.
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“By bringing this digital connectivity to the city, everyone will have access to free Wi-Fi in the city centre which fits with our ambitions on digital inclusivity to ensure that no-one is left behind,” Coun Tracey Rawlins, the executive member for environment and transport, said.
“These advances in smart technology also mean that we are able to use the information it captures to help us improve future planning across a wide range of services, including data which can inform our future active travel plans, and should we need it, the capability to use the screens with essential messaging.”
Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry added that he would like to see the boards rolled out to other areas of Greater Manchester. He said: “The Community Information Panels are an opportunity to get clear, visible messages out to the public in the City of Manchester quickly and efficiently.
“In the event of an emergency this approach will support a multi-agency response aimed at saving lives and helping prevent further harm. I would certainly welcome this technology being extended out to other parts of Greater Manchester.”
And Phil Drye, chief commercial development officer at JCDecaux, said the panels would allow Manchester to meet its sustainability goals. The Wi-Fi will be paid for by advertising on the screens, a spokesperson for the firm added.
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