Free Public WiFi For Greenock

A £185,000 project will make Greenock one of Scotland’s first smart towns with free public WiFi.

15:25 30 July 2018

Inverclyde Council is working with Capita to install free public WiFi in Greenock, which deputy council leader Jim Clocherty said will bring people into the heart of the town.

 

He said: “This is an ambitious and innovative project which will deliver a digital step-change for the town centre to support other projects, including the expansion of Greenock Ocean Terminal and the regeneration of West Blackhall Street.

 

“The new system will address a number of key strategic priorities including improving digital inclusion and participation, regenerating the town centre, stimulating employment, economic growth, tackling poverty and cementing Inverclyde’s position as the marine leisure capital of Scotland.”

 

Joe Hemming, of Capita, said: “Internet access is fast becoming an essential commodity.

 

"Making this freely available in public spaces can make a fundamental difference to citizens, be it students learning, families accessing childcare support or people finding jobs or managing their everyday finances via online banking."

 

 

Fiona Maguire, chief executive of Riverside Inverclyde, said: “We are delighted to support the digital transformation strategy for the area through the delivery of smart town technology for Greenock town centre.

 

“Free wifi was one of the initial outcomes from the Greenock town centre charrette consultation process and is just one of many digital opportunities available to us as a result of the installation of this exciting digital infrastructure.”