The Municipality of Bologna has launched a free Wi-Fi internet service that covers the centre of town and the University of Bologna. 

The network supports fixed and mobile broadband internet access and mobile VoIP, and is upgradeable to WiMax.

"Bologna is home to Europe's first university and is also the place where Marconi invented the radio, so it is fitting that it should now be home to the most advanced high-speed wireless network in Europe," said Patrick Scarlata, president of HI-TEL Italia. 

The wireless network was set up by HI-TEL and local ISP Acantho, with support from Laboratori G. Marconi. 

Professor Gabriele Falciasecca of the University of Bologna said that the network would offer citizens and students mobility, video security and VoIP and allow advanced services to be tested.