Calls on council to cast net of web use wider

Last week, Glasgow city council announced plans to implement its manifesto promise to provide free internet access in public places.

However, councillor David Meikle is far from happy with the council’s approach.

He told The Extra: “Only parts of the city and east end are to benefit and it is only free for the first six months. It’s not what was promised.

“It is disappointing we have to wait until 2015 for the next stage. I am keen to see Shawlands town centre and other southside locations benefit .

“It’s a good start but much, much more needs to be done to achieve the pledge of free citywide wi-fi.”

Glasgow became the first Scottish city to award a wireless concession after GCC’s executive committee approved the contract to British Telecommunications PLC.

BT will deliver the Wifiinfrastructure with phase one of the Urban Wireless programme delivered ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

This will see between 50 and 80 wireless access points installed around high footfall areas and transport hubs around the city centre and parts of the east end.

GCC leader Gordon Matheson said: “This is a first for any Scottish city and it is great to see Glasgow living up to its innovative tradition.

“Glaswegians and our visitors will soon be able to access multimedia information on the city, its events, businesses and services on their devices.

“This network will play a key role in Glasgow’s transition to becoming a digitally connected, smart city, with all the economic and social benefits that brings.”

The next phase of Glasgow’s wireless network will be rolled out towards early 2015, extending coverage more widely throughout the city.

BT will be able to deliver a variety of wireless technologies and enhance current and future wireless and mobile coverage, including 3G and 4G via Small Cell technology.