The Wireless City will be the first for BT of the initial phase of 12 across the UK to roll-out city-wide, taking in the West End shopping area and the heart of Government.

The city council has signed an agreement with Vertex Data Science Ltd, who will work with BT to develop applications running over the wireless broadband network, which will improve the flow of information and services across the city. In addition to the city council’s service, BT will expand the network to offer extensive wireless broadband coverage in most areas of the city in the next couple of years.

Mobile workers, such as environmental health officers, will be able to file reports on the move from their laptop or digital handheld device, or securely access the council intranet remotely.

BT has said it will roll out the first 12 Wireless Cities by the end of March 2007. Westminster is furthest advanced with its plans and roll out of the street-based network, following a successful pilot. The parts of the network which do not support council services will be funded by BT.