Harrogate has become the final town of 20 in North Yorkshire to get free public access Wi-Fi.
It means people with limited or no broadband will be able to access the internet more easily in the town centre.
North Yorkshire County Council and Harrogate Borough Council, in partnership with Harrogate telecommunications firm NYnet, have provided the scheme. Public access Wi-Fi was switched on in Knaresborough and Ripon last year.
The scheme aims to support post-covid recovery in North Yorkshire. Harrogate Borough Council has provided £300,000 to provide extra coverage across the district.
Robert Ling, North Yorkshire County Council’s assistant director for technology and change, said:
“Harrogate is one of the largest, busiest towns in North Yorkshire which boasts thriving businesses, tourist attractions and stunning gardens. Our hope is that the free Wi-Fi service will prove popular, as it is certain to boost the town’s digital infrastructure.”
Read more:
- Free Wi-Fi goes live in Knaresborough
- Harrogate Hydro renovations a long-term gain, says diving club
Matt Roberts, Harrogate Borough Council’s economy and transport officer, said:
“By providing free public spaces Wi-Fi it allows people of all ages to keep connected, look up local businesses and discover all that the Harrogate district has to offer. It also supports our economic growth strategy which aims to make the Harrogate district the best place to live, work and visit.”
York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership allocated £3.6million to the scheme part of its allocation from the government’s Getting Building Fund.
David Dickson, chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership infrastructure and joint assets board, said:
“This whole programme of work to improve digital infrastructure in North Yorkshire is really important for the region. It will support York and North Yorkshire in becoming a greener, fairer and stronger economy.”
