Some 2,500 cash machines across the UK will be turned into Wi-Fi hotspots under a deal between ATM operator Cashbox and BT.

The five-year contract will initially see 10 cashpoints benefiting from the technology, which will be extended across sites in London, Manchester, Glasgow and Cardiff.

Some 4.8 million BT broadband clients with inclusive Wi-Fi minutes will be able to use the service, as will users of BT Openzone roaming partners and O2 iPhone customers.

Homes and businesses located close to the cash machines may also benefit from the deal, once the ATMs are equipped with the technology.