Leeds UK Deploys FREE WiFi Trial to Social Housing Blocks

A new trial has begun that could eventually see thousands of social housing properties in multiple tower blocks across the city of Leeds (Yorkshire) being given “free” access to a bog standard 5Mbps broadband connection (after a small one-off fee is paid), which uses WiFi wireless technology.

Apparently it’s been estimated that around 25% of the 57,000 social housing residences in the city don’t have permanent access to the internet. In an effort to resolve that the city authority, under their 100% Digital Leeds programme, has since earlier this year been considering a project to deploy free WiFi connectivity alongside ISPs Comet (Telcom Group) and / or Internexus 6G.

After a bit of digging we discovered that the original April 2018 plan proposed to install communication masts within 17 tower blocks as part of an 18 month pilot project. Most of these would be delivered by Internexus 6G, while Comet was only directly name dropped for deployments to Clyde Court, Marlborough Towers and Holborn Towers.

Internexus 6G’s Planned Deployment – Tower Blocks
* Clyde Grange
* Grayson Crest
* Crescent Towers
* Brignall Croft
* Parkway Grange
* Bancroft Grange
* Gledhow Towers
* Moor Grange Court
* Gamble Hill Croft
* Marsden Court
* Whincover Grange
* Cottingley Towers

Today UKAuthority has posted an update, which confirms that the first trials are now live to both the Grayson Crest and Clyde Grange blocks (serving around 160 residences). The service speed being offered is only 5Mbps (Megabits per second), although that’s enough for the basics and is good when you consider that there’s no monthly fee to pay (apparently a one-off charge does apply but they don’t say how much it costs).

Ian Montgomery, Leeds City Council’s Tenant Engagement Manager, said:

“We know people suffer from a lower quality of life as a result of being unable to access the social, educational, financial, recreational and health benefits of being online.

By connecting these flats to the internet and supporting people to learn how to use the technology, we are helping residents to find improved deals and save money, apply for jobs, manage finances and maintain contact with family and friends.

It also helps the council to be more efficient, as residents are able to access online services to claim benefits, report issues and make payments.”

The announcement suggests that tenants will also be able to access faster internet speeds by purchasing them on a pay-as-you-go basis, although no details are offered. If all goes well then the new service could be deployed across the council’s entire estate of social housing.