Free public wifi network for Watford

Watford Borough Council today announced that it will roll out a new free, public WiFi network to enrich the town for residents, businesses and visitors alike. Elected Mayor of Watford, Dorothy Thornhill, said: “I know from speaking with local residents that this is something they want – and it has long been an ambition of mine for Watford, so I am delighted that things are happening.” The details are being finalised but from late summer, you’ll be able to get online in our community centres and by the end of the year you can surf the web in our town centre – all for free. The new WiFi network will provide seamless, ‘always on’ connectivity at no cost to users or to the council and without time or bandwidth limitations. IntechnologyWiFi will also provide a smartphone app for the council to promote local businesses and deliver services aligned with the council’s objectives. Manny Lewis, managing director of Watford Borough Council, said: “The town centre in Watford is one of our key regeneration sites, and the introduction of wifi will not only help our residents and visitors get online – it will support business by increasing dwell time in the town centre.” The technology will also support Watford Community Housing Trust’s social inclusion aspirations and to meet the demands of its residents, 80 per cent of whom are calling for more services online. Tina Barnard, Chief Executive of Watford Community Housing Trust, said: “Helping local residents to get online is important to us. As well as making it quicker and easier to access services, it can also help people to get more involved with what is going on in their local area. We are really excited to be part of this project.” Empowering residents in the community to self-serve – such as easily reporting problems like litter, food hygiene issues, planning breaches or by providing a platform to participate in community decision-making – the app will enhance community engagement, joining people more closely and helping them to build stronger relationships in the area. Natalie Duffield, CEO of intechnologyWiFi, said: “Equipping Watford’s residents, visitors and businesses alike with the latest WiFi technology – completely free and with no limitations – is a decisive step in transforming the town into a digital leader, enabling users to access services, report problems or engage with the community online.”