Free wi-fi and laptop use in Telford & Wrekin community centres
More residents across the borough will be able to surf the web and access computers for free thanks to Telford & Wrekin Council’s introduction to wifi in community centres across the borough.
Not only is wireless internet access available to the general public sites across the borough, the council has also buddied up with local business Lyreco who has donated over 30 laptops that will be available for community use.
The first community centres to benefit from public use laptops and wifi are Sutton Hill and Leegomery, with more community centres following shortly. Those seeking more information on public use laptops and wifi at community centres can contact the Community Centre Team Leader on 01952 382180.
Telford and Wrekin has a robust and high speed network that links all council buildings and schools through a mix of fibre and wireless infrastructure for data and voice. Introducing wireless to these community buildings comes at no extra cost to the council.
As part of an ongoing project, there is a requirement to install wireless hot spots in local centres – transmitting a wireless signal up to 100 metres in an unobstructed radius.
Customers log on to the internet by using their existing Flex or library card, a system that has been trialled successfully at the new Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre.
Those who log on are provided with basic internet filtering so that inappropriate material and gambling sites are blocked.
The 17 sites that can have public access wireless turned on at no extra cost to the council are: Civic Office, The Place, Oakengates, Dawley High Street, Southwater, Darby House, Meeting Point House/Telford Library, The Business Development Centre in Stafford Park, Telford Ice Rink, Telford Tennis Centre, Granville House, AFC Telford United, West Road, Downing House, Edward James House and Abraham Darby Leisure Centre.
Councillor Shaun Davies, cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Co-operative Council, said: “The council is committed to make it as easy as possible for residents to access the internet and I am delighted that we are able to make wifi available to the public at so many sites across the borough.
“As a Co-operative Council, we have been able to link up with local business Lyreco who have very kindly donated over 30 laptops which will now be available for public use in our community centres.”
The wifi will be available to use from 1st December 2012. Some sites will be completed before this date and will be available for use.
