Free WiFi for Sheffield City Centre

Sheffield city centre to have free WiFi by the end of 2018.

20:28 21 January 2018

Sheffield Council unveils plans to offer free WiFi by the end of 2018. They are now looking for a provider to offer the service at no cost to users.

 

The initiative, which is being led by Sheffield Business Improvement District (SBID), could put Sheffield among the ‘best connected cities in the country.’

 

Cabinet member for business and economy and deputy leader Leigh Bramall said: “Our ambition is to create the conditions that allow a super-fast, digitally-connected and vibrant city to thrive. Our economy will benefit and Sheffield will become more connected for people using the city centre.

 

“But we’ll only appoint a provider on our terms – someone who will provide the service at no cost to the public or ourselves.”

 

Coun Bramall added: “We’ve tested the market and believe that a provider will be able to offer the service we want for Sheffield in exchange for exclusive use of council-owned street assets such as lampposts.”

 

The scheme is supported by the opposition Liberal Democrat group. In June, SBID was urged by Coun Richard to push ahead with the plans to provide free service that will cover the area inside the ring road and some public buildings, including the Winter Gardens.