York’s free WiFi network reaches Acomb’s Front Street

York’s Cityconnect WiFi has expanded its network out to the suburbs this week, as Acomb’s Front Street has gone live to join the city-wide network.

07 June 2018

York’s Cityconnect WiFi has expanded its network out to the suburbs this week, as Acomb’s Front Street has gone live to join the city-wide network.

Front Street serves as a strategic location for the expanding network as it sits central to the suburb of Acomb which is home to a population of over 22,000.

Councillor Peter Dew, Executive Member with responsibility for digital infrastructure, said:

“York’s city-wide WiFi network is expanding to incorporate our more suburban areas where so many of our residents live. Free WiFi access nearer to people’s homes can transform these public spaces, making them more attractive and accessible for visitors and more functional for residents who pass through the vicinity regularly.

It’s wonderful that this connectivity will serve visitors and residents alike, all free of charge; and that we can have peace of mind that the connection is Child-Friendly accredited so that younger people can use it safely and securely.”

Local business owners of The Greengrocer of Acomb, Sarah and Darren O’Mahony are optimistic about the development:

“We think it’s great for Acomb to be put on the map. Anything positive is good for businesses and the community alike.”

This, the latest CityConnect expansion, incorporates Front Street into a network covering York’s city centre, Bishopthorpe Road and all 6 of the city’s Park & Ride terminals. This is in addition to the public WiFi available in 14 libraries and 41 council owned buildings.

The CityConnect wireless connection is available 24/7, 365 days of the year, and is completely free to log in to and use. The expansion of CityConnectWiFi comes at no cost to the city’s council and helps to further develop York as a digital city. The network allows those who pass through the public space to access the network from their phone, tablet or any other wireless device and can support high quality streaming services such as BBC iPlayer.

This latest expansion of the CityConnect WiFi, is one of many initiatives which have taken place over the past few years to further York’s digital infrastructure.