Free wi-fi trial aims to make connections easier

A two-month trial run by Westminster City Council is aiming to make free wi-fi easier to access in central London.

The authority is piloting a new system which enables residents and visitors to connect to a range of public wi-fi networks across Westminster using one log-in.

The service is called Connected London WiFi and aims to create a "seamless roaming experience" to help tackle "digital inequality".

The Labour-run council said that "with the continued support from the mayor of London – and potentially other London boroughs – we hope to roll out this wi-fi network across the whole of London, and potentially beyond".

As part of the trial, QR codes have been placed at 50 Westminster businesses, public spaces and cultural attractions which already offer free wi-fi.

Anyone who scans the QR code will be able to log in with one profile.

The user's device will then automatically connect to the internet when brought within range of any other wi-fi operator signed up to the scheme during the trial.

Once the pilot is over, the council will look at whether it is possible to roll the network out across the capital and move away from QR codes.

Geoff Barraclough, the borough's cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: "Every one of us has struggled to get high-speed mobile connections in central London, especially in busy areas such as Oxford Street and Covent Garden.

"That's why so many people rely on using public space wi-fi, but this can be fiddly and difficult to log in to."

He said tourists and Londoners would benefit from easier connections with the single sign-on network.

Howard Dawber, London's deputy mayor for business and growth, said Connected London WiFi was a vital step to improving digital access across the capital.

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