Free broadband initiative bridges digital divide in Islington

A new partnership between Islington borough council and Cityspace is bringing free broadband access to residents in London.

StreetNet allows anyone with a wireless-enabled computer, laptop or PDA to access the internet, as well as a number of council and e-government services, free of charge.

Sophie Henri of Cityspace said the project is a public service to provide equal internet access to an entire community.

"Ultimately the council has taken the responsibility for bridging the digital divide, creating a level playing field for all residents, businesses and visitors to the area," she commented.

The project came about after Cityspace installed a network for the council, which Henri says has now expanded three or four times since.

According to the company, the wide reach and high bandwidth of StreetNet's internet access means users can access files, services and applications "as if they were connected to a wired network".

Cityspace aims to make cities more accessible by providing "digital city infrastructure", information and services where they are most needed.