The City of York Council (CYC) has launched the first trial of a free public Wi-Fi zone along St Helen's Square and Coney Street. The wireless internet access service has been on the drawing board since CityFibre Holdings completed a £13.7 million fibre optic broadband network ( FTTP ) in the city (here) last month.


Several wireless access points have been strategically and discreetly located in the related areas. Each of the units connects back into the existing city-wide fibre network using a 5GHz wireless uplink, while public access will be delivered via the more traditional Wi-Fi standard (2.4GHz).

Local businesses will now be consulted on their views and experiences of the trial before a decision is taken about whether or not to extend the service city-wide, as originally planned. It's hoped that the free pilot will improve the city centre facilities for visitors, businesses and local people.