A new wifi service promises to propel Chester to the forefront of the digital revolution, by transforming it into the nation’s first fully-connected free wifi city centre.
The move – led by local wifi specialists, Deva Hotspot and supported by Global partner, Motorola Solutions as well as Chester Renaissance – will give Chester residents, businesses and visitors unlimited access to a free internet connection, faster and more reliable than 4G.
Using the world’s most advanced wifi technology Deva Hotspot is working with local shops and businesses – including The Gallery, The Pasty Place and Heads & Tails – to install the required equipment, with plans for full coverage inside the city walls by early 2013.
Cutting the cost of internet access
Deva Hotspot founder, Steven Brown, believes that even in the digital age, most people are simply paying too much to use the internet. He launched the service to cut the “unnecessary” cost of internet access. “Working together with local businesses and national sponsors, we are able to deliver a better service, providing the city with wifi technology which is so secure that even the military use it.” he says.
“Deva Hotspot is great for mobile users, and they get a faster internet connection at no cost,” Brown adds.
Supporting local businesses
Chester Renaissance is facilitating the installation of the free wifi as part of the One City Plan programme of improvements to reinvigorate the city centre. “The free wifi installation supports our vision to create a dynamic legacy for future generations by encouraging technological advancement and stimulating business growth in the city,” says Professor Steven Broomhead, Chairman of Chester Renaissance. “We want Chester to be a desirable place in which to live, work and study – and technology will play a huge part in achieving that ambition,” he insists.
The free wifi service also serves as a platform for a mutually-beneficial relationship between local businesses and their customers. “Companies who work with us can promote their products or services to registered users. That means they get to connect with thousands of potential customers, and our wifi users can take advantage of the exclusive offers and deals that are available,” Steven Brown concludes.
Users can sign up for the service whilst in the city centre, by selecting ‘Deva Hotspot’ from the wi-fi networks menu on their device and registering. Current coverage includes Eastgate Street, Watergate Street, Bridge Street St Werburgh Street and parts of Northgate Street.