A first-of-its-kind unified city Wi-Fi network, ConneX, has gone live in Newcastle, covering the city centre, administrative buildings, museums and libraries. The project was delivered by the city council in partnership with Purple, with support from the Levelling Up programme.
Unlike ordinary scattered access points, the network is centrally managed, provides a stable connection and secure data transmission. Users only need to sign in once, without having to reconnect each time.
Small businesses have also benefited: more than 1,000 companies received equipment and licences worth £120,000, allowing them to provide internet access to customers and collect data on engagement. The city council is using the analytics to develop infrastructure and tourism.
The service is especially important for residents who struggle to afford mobile data, making it possible to study, work and stay in touch regardless of income level. Newcastle is turning Wi-Fi into part of the urban environment, where the internet becomes not a service, but a given.
