Welshpool to have free town centre WiFi from tomorrow
In a pioneering project spearheaded by Welshpool town councillor Ben Gwalchmai as the town’s Digital Champion, engineers will be on site today installing the system that should be launched tomorrow.
Funded by the Welsh Government and Powys County Council, the initiative will see free WiFi hotspots installed in key areas of the town, including the Town Hall, the Tourist Information Centre, and Roger Parry Estate Agents. There will be an expansion of the WiFi area in the next year.
“I am delighted to announce that Welshpool Town will have free WiFi in its streets,” said Cllr. Gwalchmai, who is a Labour councillor for the town. “This is a great opportunity to help bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone in our community has access to the internet.
“It has the added benefit of giving the town smart, anonymised data so businesses and the council can understand when and where their customers spend the most time.”
Data-poverty is a major issue in Wales, with many people struggling to afford the cost of internet access. In 2021, one in seven people in Wales didn’t have adequate internet access (Nesta, 2021); in Welshpool, it is estimated that one in five households does not have regular access to the internet.
“Free WiFi will make a real difference to people’s lives,” said Cllr. Gwalchmai. “Though the Town WiFi is intended for light use, it will allow people to stay connected with friends and family, access essential services, and improve their job prospects.”
The expansion of the free WiFi project is expected to be completed by mid-2025.
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