London's Square Mile gets free Wi-Fi

The heart of London’s financial district -- The Square Mile -- is getting free public access WiFi, a new press release from O2 states. The telecoms operator also says this is a multimillion-pound project, one of the largest investments in wireless infrastructure in London, so far.

O2 will be working with Cornerstone Telecommunications Infrastructure, which was awarded a 15-year contract to build and maintain City of London’s wireless network. The network itself will be fully operational by autumn 2017, and will allegedly be "more technically advanced" than those found in other global financial centers like New York.

That means users will be able to enjoy features like video calling, or video on demand.

Cornerstone will build 4G mobile "small cells," and nest them on lampposts and street signs, allowing mobile coverage at street level. O2 believes this will allow the city to become an early 5G adopter. 5G is expected to hit the mainstream around 2020.

"Free, reliable, high-speed wireless internet is a must for any modern, competitive financial centre. That is why I am thrilled to have CTIL deliver this essential project for the Square Mile. Soon, residents, visitors and workers in the City will be able to enjoy uninterrupted wireless connectivity, and this project should ensure that wireless ‘black spots’ in the Square Mile become a thing of the past," says Mark Boleat, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Policy and Resources Committee.

Published under license from ITProPortal.com, a Future plc Publication. All rights reserved.

Photo Credit: LandFox/Shutterstock