Gowex is all set to expand its Wireless Smart City model to the Tyneside region of the UK, in an agreement with Newcastle and Gateshead city councils.
The Spanish wireless internet services provider has signed a deal with the councils to install Wi-Fi hotspots across the cities, to provide free internet access to public by the start of 2015.
“We are extremely proud that Newcastle and Gateshead have trusted Gowex to offer to all their citizens and visitors the best free Wi-Fi service in order to transform them into wireless smart cities,” said Gowex Chief Executive Jenaro Garcia.
“These contracts create a platform for Gowex growth in the UK as well as in the rest of the world.”
Gowex and the councils have reached a 10-year contract to provide free Wi-Fi access 24 hours a day to the public throughout the Newcastle-Gateshead area. The company will approximately cover 40 percent of the planned access points in each city, in the first rollout.
“With demand for WiFi skyrocketing, this is tremendous news for Newcastle, one of our 22 Super-Connected cities,” said Communications Minister Ed Vaizey.
“The funding that government has made available to Newcastle will see free WiFi spots pop up in public areas across the city, allowing everyone access to broadband while on the move, and is all part of the remarkable transformation of connectivity currently underway.”
Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes said a “big difference” can be expected as the rollout was welcomed locally, and that Newcastle and Gateshead will be in the forefront of UK areas for public Wi-Fi availability, with this investment.
Malcolm Graham, Gateshead Council’s cabinet member for employment and skills said the scheme will be a boost for businesses as well as the end users and also confirms the commitment of the council to be at the forefront of the digital revolution.
Gowex will work closely with both the councils for the next few months to deploy a 24-hour high-speed network across Tyneside with more than hundreds of access points. The council staff in Gateshead and the current streetlight contractors in Newcastle, will carry out the required installation work and maintenance.
