Free public wi-fi is now available in South Kesteven towns, introduced as part of a major CCTV upgrade by South Kesteven District Council.
The broadband connectivity for businesses and visitors is powered through 28 hubs as part of the security camera system, with coverage at its best within 100m of CCTV cameras.
The development is a by-product of a £600,000 investment for a CCTV upgrade project of around 60 camera upgrades including 47 new cameras.
Cabinet member for property, cllr Richard Cleaver, said: “We’re pleased that our recent investment in a security camera upgrade using the fibre network has brought this opportunity for free-to-access public wi-fi across our towns.
“It strengthens the Council’s position as a digital enabler, supporting digital inclusion.
“This development will also help customers use their mobile phones to pay for parking in areas that have so far been difficult to get coverage.
“CCTV has a key role to play in making residents and businesses feel safer and is one of a number of personal security improvements that SKDC has been able to make under our Safer Streets work.”
Early data shows the wi-fi digital hubs logging thousands of sessions: more than 5,500 in Grantham, 11,000 in Stamford, 3,200 for Bourne and 1,220 in Market Deeping.
Users should look for ‘S Kesteven Free WiFi’. In Grantham, the main areas covered are Wyndham Park and the town centre area bounded by Asda, the Isaac Newton Centre, Castle Gate and St Catherine’s Road. Stamford town centre from Broad Street to St Peter’s Hill, to Bath Row, St Mary’s and High Street is covered. North Street, Bourne, from St Peter’s to South Street Car Park, and the central part of Abbey Road and West Street are covered, as is Market Deeping Market Place.
Image shows Stamford, where 11,000 sessions have been logged with the wi-fi digital hubs. Credit: Stock.adobe.com/Nicola
