Sixty seven Crown and Combined Courts across England and Wales have had Wi-Fi facilities installed in the last six months, according to courts minister Maria Eagle.

The BT Openzone networks will allow those involved in court processes to occupy their time between cases more effectively.

“The provision of Wi-Fi is an important step by HM Courts Service to improve court facilities and the quality of service provided to court users," said Eagle.

The service is aimed at court professionals as well as victims, witnesses, jurors and reporters.

Wi-Fi zones will be clearly signposted.

The networks will only be free to customers of BT Total Broadband, but others will be able to pay via vouchers and subscriptions which can be purchased electronically on-line.