Poor and patchy internet access could be a thing of the past in the city centre - thanks to the roll-out of free wi-fi.

Dozens of new wi-fi hotspots have been installed throughout Canterbury, as part of a major digital transformation carried out by BT.

It is hoped the free internet access will help welcome shoppers, tourists and restaurant-goers back to the city once lockdown restrictions are eased.

The city council has invested almost £700,000 in the project, which has seen the district's ageing CCTV cameras, servers and control room updated, and 46 city centre wi-fi hotspots installed at the same time.

The Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID) contributed more than £26,000 to help expand wireless internet coverage across the city, and will also pay towards its running costs.

Cllr Ben Fitter-Harding, leader of the council, has long lobbied for improvements to help tackle "appalling" mobile phone coverage in the city centre.

Responding to the new roll-out, he said: "Free wi-fi across the city centre will give fast internet access to our residents and visitors, finally plugging the mobile phone coverage not-spots with hotspots instead and ensuring our businesses can unleash their full economic potential as they reopen.

“A lot has changed during lockdown and now, more than ever, our shops, bars and restaurants are being helped by digital technology - whether it’s for ordering, click and collect or just checking new opening times."

The wi-fi will be available for anyone to use. Users have to click on 'free wi-fi Canterbury' and accept the terms and conditions to access the internet.

Cllr Fitter-Harding added: “The beauty of this scheme is that it is quick and easy to use without the need to jump through a whole host of hoops to get connected.

“This sort of connectivity opens up a whole raft of opportunities to use technology to make our city smarter.

“On top of all this, our upgraded and modernised CCTV system cannot fail to make an extremely safe city even safer, especially for our busy, bustling and vibrant night-time economy."

Lisa Carlson, chief executive of the Canterbury BID, says she too feels the new system will complement the way city centre businesses have adapted over the past year.

She said: “Helping our customers have the information they need at their fingertips for free, for example to connect with friends or find a certain shop, is a big boost for the city’s businesses whatever sector they are in.

“This scheme coincides with the rollout of the free THE LOCALE app which tells you how busy your favourite shops and restaurants are in real-time and allows business owners to let their valued customers know about the offers or promotions they are running or are about to run.

"This system will also give the council, the BID and businesses a real insight into footfall, wi-fi usage and how people enjoy the city so we can make their experience better and better.”

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