Free public access Wi-Fi goes live in town centre

The North Yorkshire town of Malton, known for its regular markets and food festival, is the latest destination to reap the benefits of free public access Wi-Fi.

In partnership with its wholly owned company, NYnet Ltd, North Yorkshire County Council is rolling out the scheme in 16 market towns across the county in a bid to support recovery and growth for communities and businesses.

The council says town centre public Wi-Fi is an opportunity to draw people back to local town centres as a destination as more people continue to work from home. It aims to promote local shops and services and create a different town centre experience.

Free public access Wi-Fi is also intended to offer opportunities for people with limited or no broadband to access vital local council, Government and health services and take part in the digital economy.

County councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for access, said: “Our free public Wi-Fi project has enabled everybody in our town centres to get the most out of their visits from finding out about the nearest tourist attractions to the local businesses they can support.

“Following on from the successful introduction of this free service in other parts of the county, people in Malton will now benefit from this latest investment in North Yorkshire’s digital infrastructure.”

A £3m investment was awarded by the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership as part of its allocation from the Government’s Getting Building Fund.

David Dickson, chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Infrastructure & Joint Assets Board, said: “Improved digital connectivity is essential to help our regional economy become greener, fairer and stronger. It’s great to see the continued progression of this scheme.”