Bristol has already experienced the excitement of switching on the Christmas lights, now there will be a second big switch on leading up to the Xmas countdown.

 

The city will see its Wi-Fi hotspots expanded in collaboration between the University of Bristol and the city council. The latter had opened 50 free Wi-Fi hotspots to the public in public areas including libraries and care homes.

 

 

That will be a boost to people who hope to do their Christmas shopping online, rather than having to wade through the crowds. After all when you are buying gifts for other people, it's not like you can try them

on or know that they will be exactly what is wanted anyway!

 

Plans are to expand wi-fi reception in Bristol with the availability of a further 600 Wi-Fi hotspots. This is part of a 'B-open' scheme so that Bristol’s citizens can browse the web from anywhere in the city.

 

As far back as 2004 Bristol was supposed to be part of a massive Streetnet scheme to make Wi-Fi widely available, however currently Streetnet runs through a core of the town but still remains elusive for many internet users.

Improving Bristol broadband access will be part of the discussion at the Next Gen conference which is taking place next week with Bristol City Council sponsoring the event.

 

Council Leader Barbara Janke said: "Our collaboration with the University of Bristol will massively boost our efforts to make the internet accessible to everyone. 

“The Wi-Fi hotspots rolled out so far by the council have been very well received and these additional 600 sites in and around the university will make a big difference.”