Westminster aims for Wi-Fi everywhere

Westminster Council's Wireless City project received a boost today when BT announced that it would be providing the network infrastructure for the initiative.

The project seeks to integrate Wi-Fi technology into all areas of the council's responsibilities, providing access for remote workers, linking CCTV and microphones to council headquarters and providing hotspots for consumers.

BT will install the Wi-Fi network and a Microconnect Distributed Antenna network for improved GSM and 3G coverage across Westminster.

"This is the first deal of its kind in the UK and will establish Westminster City Council as a world leader for technology and innovation," said counsellor Simon Milton, leader of Westminster City Council.

"The Wireless City will benefit those who live and work in Westminster by reducing crime and disorder, improving the delivery and effectiveness of council services and enabling us to maintain low tax through significant cost savings."

BT was chosen because it is already a key supplier to Westminster and has had experience in dealing with local councils. The company has installed similar systems in Lewisham and Cardiff.

"The scale of this exciting project is unprecedented in terms of its size and the area's strategic importance," said Clive Ansell, BT London regional director.

The Wireless City partnership comprises Westminster, BT, Intel, Cisco Systems, Capgemini, Vertex, BTSkyNet and Telindus. The bulk of technology deployed so far has been in Soho, but the council is extending it around the whole council area.