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Can you help us brand Bristol's Wi-Fi Network?

November 8, 2007 Posted by Stephen Hilton in : Wireless, Bristol, Connecting Bristol , trackback

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.

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Comments»

1. sam - November 9, 2007

Bristol Wireless?

2. Stephen Hilton - November 9, 2007

But is Bristol Wireless 'the organisation' rather than 'the network'?

3. Al Shaw - November 10, 2007

1. Bristol Connect

2. Free Zone

3. Free Space

4. Connected

5. Bristol Unplugged

4. CHris Pickering - November 11, 2007

Bristol Wide Web

5. Peter Ferne - November 16, 2007

I like 'Wifi Umbrella' or 'Umbrella Wifi'. It does what it says on the tin - it brings together a number of wireless networks under one (metaphorical) umbrella - it's memorable and lighthearted.

I've registered the domains umbrellawifi.com and wifiumbrella.com just in case. Should they be chosen I will happily hand them over, free of charge, to Connecting Bristol or whoever is an appropriate owning body.

6. The Bristol Blogger - November 16, 2007

I think you should call it Colin.

7. Stephen Hilton - November 17, 2007

Thanks Peter - I like the 'wi-fi umberella' idea - it nicely relates to the 'wi-fi cloud' that people often refer to / protest against.

Thanks Bristol Blogger, I have an uncle called Colin, he will be pleased.

8. Matt - November 19, 2007

Stephen, how about the Information exchange, Bristol Communications Hub, Unite Bristol, The Bristol Oracle.

Speak soon. M@

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