Free wi-fi to be introduced across Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster

People occupying flats to rent in Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster will soon have access to free wi-fi across the region thanks to a landmark deal with communications company O2.

Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea have struck an agreement with the broadband and mobile services provider to implement a new Metro wireless network on street furniture throughout the region.

This will lead to the creation of the largest free wireless hub in Europe, allowing millions of residents and visitors to enjoy free internet access via their mobile phones, laptops and tablets wherever they go.

O2 will begin installing the network this month, with an initial rollout to be conducted in a limited number of areas, before being introduced on a wider scale throughout the boroughs in the long term.

This supports O2's objective of introducing free, fast and open wi-fi across the UK via strategic partnerships, an initiative launched in January 2011.

Derek McManus, chief operating officer for O2, said the latest agreement is the first of its kind in Britain and will help to support local efforts to deliver a high standard of connectivity for London ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Meanwhile Nicholas Paget-Brown, deputy leader and cabinet member for the environment at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, said: "I am very pleased that we have been able to come to this agreement and we look forward to working with O2.

"Residents and visitors having free access to the latest mobile technology will help us to continue to offer value for money for residents."

Less than 200 days remain before the Olympic Games get underway in the capital, with Kensington and Chelsea making various infrastructure improvements to prepare.

The area will be hosting events such as the volleyball competition at Earls Court and part of the cycle road race route, as well as a cultural festival on Exhibition Road.

Posted by Chris Price

Published 12th January, 2012

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