Press Release

Benefits of Wireless City service

Monday, 27 April 2009

Businesses and visitors to the city centre are able to enjoy increased wireless Internet access thanks to the extension of Derry City Council’s Wireless City Service.

The Mayor Cllr Gerard Diver and Colm Barton, Bogside and Brandywell Initiative, pictured with one of the wireless devices that are being installed across the city as part of the Council's wireless city service.

Anyone with a wireless enabled device such as a laptop, PDA or a Smartphone can use the network free of charge for 30 minutes.

The service previously covered the Walled City, Shipquay Street, Foyle Street and Waterloo Place now it is being extended to take in Guildhall Square, the Strand Road, Bogside and Fountain areas of the city.

The Mayor, Councillor Gerard Diver, believes the extension of the network will reinforce Derry’s position as a key Wireless City location and bring substantial benefits to businesses, students, tourists and citizens alike. “I believe that the extension of the network signals Derry’s intention to be at the forefront of the wireless revolution. It will assist visitors to the city and business travellers will feel the benefits of easy access to the Internet and e-mail facilities.

“I would encourage businesses within the range of the network such as bars, hotels, restaurants and cafes to make sure that they become partners with Derry City Council in making the Wireless City service available in as many premises as possible,” he said.

Wireless node devices have been located at a number of key landmarks in the city and businesses interested in availing of the service are asked to contact the Council.

Colm Barton of the Bogside Brandywell Initiative believes that the extension of network will be a massive boost to residents and community groups within the area.

“This is a real step forward for the entire local community. The extension of the wireless network is a positive development in terms of social inclusion as it will help to close the gap between those citizens with access to computing and Internet resources and those without. I would encourage the local community to embrace this free service that Derry City Council is providing, ” he said.

The Wireless City project is funded by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment and the European Union.

Interested business owners are advised to contact the Wireless City Project Officer, Louise Breslin, at Derry City Council, Tel 028 7137 6506.

Ends

For further press information contact Derry City Council’s Marketing and Communications Section, Tel. 028 7137 6504.

Press Office

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