UK courts witness wonder of Wi-Fi

BT Openzone wireless internet access has been installed in 67 courts

Most Crown and Combined courts in England and Wales now have Wi-Fi facilities in place, according to Courts Minister Maria Eagle.

BT Openzone wireless internet access has been installed in 67 courts in the past three months, allowing court attendees to access the web in between sittings.

The system will allow jurors, victims and witnesses to access work, business and leisure pursuits in between hearings, and enable journalists to file copy during major trials.

"Many legal professionals who use the courts need access to fast and instant online information," said Eagle.

"Similarly Her Majesty's Courts Service recognises that going to court as a victim, witness or juror can be disruptive for many people who may need to keep in touch with their business, work or family during the day.

"The provision of Wi-Fi is an important step by HMCS to improve court facilities and the quality of service provided to court users."

Wi-Fi will be available at signposted zones in most publicly accessible areas of the court covering the advocates' assembly room, the jury assembly suite, witness waiting area, public concourse and cafeteria in most Crown courts.

The rollout follows a successful pilot of BT Openzone wireless access points at the Royal Courts of Justice, the Central Criminal Court, Southwark, Birmingham and Swansea Crown Courts and Winchester, Leeds and Liverpool Combined Courts.

"As anyone who has served as a juror or worked in the legal profession will testify, there can be a fair amount of waiting around before and in between proceedings," said Chris Bruce, general manager of BT Openzone.

"This announcement means that lawyers, jurors, clerks and judges can send and receive emails, access the internet and enjoy all the benefits of Wi-Fi while still being available for the next session of court at a moment's notice."

Access to the service will be the same as any other BT Openzone hotspot, including vouchers and subscriptions which can be purchased online.

The installation was paid for by HMCS which will receive a percentage of the revenue from BT Openzone.