East Riding’s free outdoor public access wi-fi has been expanded to five new locations.
Following additional funding from the UK government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, coverage is now live in central areas of Cottingham, Driffield, Hessle, Snaith, and an expansion of coverage in Bridlington, including parts of Bridlington Old Town.
The scheme is part of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Smart County Programme and contributes to the council’s broader digital strategy. To date, the scheme has seen 60,000 users connect to wi-fi services available in Beverley, Bridlington, Goole, Hedon, Hornsea, Howden, Pocklington, and Withernsea.
Councillor David Tucker, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Deputy Leader, said, “Expanding coverage to these five new locations will bring digital connectivity to more people, helping to bridge the digital divide and improve public access to online services. It will also benefit local market traders and tourists visiting the area, enhancing their overall experience.”
The service allows everyone, from holidaymakers in Bridlington beach chalets to traders accepting contactless payments in East Riding markets, to connect to public wi-fi, making everyday activities easier and faster.
The service has been supplied by KCOM, Jan Collins, MD of KCOM Enterprise, said: “This scheme will empower people across our region – residents, businesses and visitors alike – to take full advantage of our seamless connectivity and close the digital divide.
“It’s been a major scheme working alongside East Riding of Yorkshire Council to connect and deliver real tangible benefits to our region, connecting our local markets, town centres, resorts and public spaces to a world of opportunities like never before. KCOM is proud to power many of our region’s public services and continually support our customers do more with their connectivity.”
Users can enjoy 24-hour free connectivity in any of these coverage areas by connecting to the “EastRidingFreeWiFi” network and entering their email address.
