Broadband Genie: Swindon showing forward thinking with city-wide Wi-Fi scheme

Swindon council is showing "forward thinking" by establishing a free city-wide Wi-Fi network, according to expert website Broadband Genie.

The council has initiated the scheme using a combination of private and public funding and while low connection speeds will be available for free, faster services will be available for prices below market rates.

For the vast majority of broadband customers, the primary appeal of Wi-Fi services is being able to stay connected to business emails more easily, while fast Wi-Fi could also provide access to more efficient VoIP solutions.

Chris Marling, editor of Broadband Genie, said: "[The scheme] will give the people of Swindon another option to meet their broadband requirements, which can only be a good thing."

The Swindon network has been set up with the assistance of technology firm aQovia and local businessman Rikki Hunt, who first devised the concept.

Swindon residents will have full access to the network by the end of April next year, according to the council.