Nottingham Trent University is to begin trials of a WiMax-based broadband network which will offer free internet access across the city.

The service, to be launched on 29 September, will be deployed in partnership with Intel and will allow the university's students and staff to access free high-speed mobile broadband.

Locally-based businesses and residents in disadvantaged areas of Nottingham will also benefit from the service, which aims to boost the availability and flexibility of web access without the restrictions involved in connections via hotspots.

The network will be available in the Nottingham areas of Radford, Forest Fields and Haddon Park immediately after the launch.

Funding for the project was provided by Nottingham Trent University and Djanogly City Technology College.

Further capital came from Intel and a pool of regional agencies including the Building Better Schools initiative, Accelerate Nottingham, RDA and the New Technology Initiative.