Newport’s City Centre public wireless network has been officially launched, thanks to a partnership between North, Ruckus and Purple, the intelligent spaces company.
NewportCityConnect will provide users with unlimited 24/7 free WiFi access across key city centre locations including Upper Dock St, Corn St, Skinner St, Riverfront Theatre, train station, information station, Cambrian Road, Newport Market and the bus station.
Visitors and residents can access NewportCityConnect from any wireless enabled device. The WiFi solution allows users to log in via social media or a simple registration form. Seamless login has been enabled so once the initial login has been completed, users can get back online by simply opening up a browser when in range of the network.
The network has been designed to provide sufficient bandwidth to support streaming services such as BBC iPlayer. North and Purple launched a similar solution in the City of York last year which now sees around 2,000 users per day. North created the CityConnect brand specifically for their public WiFi networks and solutions have been deployed for Aberdeen City Council, Stockport City Council and property development giants, British Land. Small retailers have also opted for CityConnect solutions to enhance their existing network with a user friendly social WiFi overlay.
Mark Lowe, Strategic Relations Director, North explained “We are delighted to be launching our exciting CityConnect public WiFi service within Newport, offering a quality and easy to use WiFi service. Local businesses will also be able to benefit from commercial opportunities advertising on the WiFi service”.
Gavin Wheeldon, CEO of Purple, added: “We are proud to have worked alongside North on another city-wide WiFi project after the success we have seen in York. The service in Newport will be a vital step in helping visitors and residents stay connected, whilst helping local businesses to understand tourism and usage trends”.