Welshpool visitors, business and residents will soon have access to free WiFi in the streets through a series of hotspots around town.

In a bid to help people stay connected with friends and family, get access to essential services and improve job prospects for those looking, Welshpool will soon be offering free WiFi within the town.

The initiative, helmed by town councillor and digital innovation lecturer Ben Gwalchmai, was unveiled on August 7 as engineers arrived in town to install the system.

The project involves free WiFi hotspots installed in key areas of the town, including the Town Hall, the Tourist Information Centre, and Roger Parry Estate Agents.

Cllr Gwalchmai said: “I am delighted to announce that Welshpool Town will soon have free WiFi in its streets.

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“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."

Cllr Gwalchmai also said that he hopes the project will relieve the issue of “data poverty” in Wales, working to lower the number of people in the country who do not have access to WiFi. According to a 2021 study by Nesta, this was as high as one in seven.

According to Cllr Gwalchmai, in Welshpool alone it is estimated that one in five households do not have regular access to the internet.

He added: “Free WiFi will make a real difference to people's lives. 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 project is funded by Powys County Council and the Welsh Government and is expected to expand further in the coming months, with leaders of the initiative hoping it will be completed by mid-2025.