Norwich is using a wireless network to give citizens free access to the internet and help the city council test mobile technology for public services.
The £1.1m project, called Norfolk Open Link, will run from August 2006 to April 2008, and allow wireless access from the University of East Anglia, the Norwich Science Park, Norfolk and Norwich hospital and large areas of the city centre.
Funding for the project is being provided by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) and will allow anyone with a wireless-enabled mobile, laptop or PDA to access the internet for free.
Ways to exploit the network are already being considered, with projects including e-enabled midwives, transport information, mobile CCTV and tourist event information all planned.
Patrick Hacon, chairman of Norfolk County Council says he is very excited about the possibilities that Norfolk Open Link presents for the county.
'The pilot project will aim to harness the potential wireless technology can have in enhancing the delivery of our public services and stimulating business and private use of wireless technologies,' he said.
Kurt Fray, wireless project leader at Norfolk County Council says the Synetrix supplied network will provide extensive coverage of a large area of the city.
'It has the potential for application integration and the wireless network it has provided matches the vision for success this project demands,' he said.
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