Star switches on wireless (instead of commentating on it)

Nov 9 2007 by Tony McDonough, Liverpool Daily Post

PHONE giant BT and Liverpool City Council yesterday launched one of the first schemes in the country to allow people wireless broadband access across the city centre.

The launch of extensive Wi-Fi coverage in the city centre follows the council’s agreement with BT to become one of the UK’s first BT Wireless Cities. The new network covers an area within the heart of the city centre, from Pembroke Place, west of Liverpool University, down to the Three Graces, across to Albert Dock and up to Rodney Street.

It also builds on BT’s existing Openzone network, and the council hopes it will transform the way people work, talk and play while out and about.

As well as providing web access, BT is also working with Liverpool City Council to investigate implementing a range of wireless applications to improve key services such as traffic management, environmental services and tourism.

Yesterday was the first of a four-day event in Williamson Square, allowing the public to try it out for themselves.

Cllr Warren Bradley, leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Our desire to be a Wireless City is about reaching out to people in new ways and improving the quality of people’s lives through opportunities afforded by new technology.”