Bristol has a reputation as a wireless pioneer. The City Council and City Space Ltd. launched “Street Net” in 2003, at the time creating the UK’s largest street-level Wi-Fi network. Bristol Wireless is a leading provider of community wireless networks.
In recent years, many millions of people have bought wireless laptops, PDA’s, mobile phones or portable games consoles. The prevalence of wireless technologies is changing how people interact with information and services, be it for work, study or leisure. You will know that people no longer have to be sat at a desk to access the Internet and emails, or be in front of a TV to watch programmes. Accessing and creating content whenever you want and wherever you happen to be is where wireless technologies are leaded – and millions of people are following fast.
Connecting Bristol’s aim is to create a vibrant, interactive, wireless ‘Intranet for the city’ that provides mobile Wi-Fi access to information and services, including council and public services, for people who are on the move in and around the city. This includes, tourists: business travellers; council customers; students; shoppers; mobile workers and city centre residents.
So what would you call such a network? Street Net no longer fits, as with the newly launched hot spot at the Council House, we are increasingly interested in bringing connectivity inside. We note the newly launched BT Birmingham FIZ (Free Information Zone)… but feel certain that Bristol can come up with something more creative and apt. So, what do you think? All suggestions welcome here or by email to stephen@connectingbristol.org If we get a really good suggestion I am sure we can find some sort of prize.
