East Riding’s free public access Wi-Fi utilised by 60,000 users, with expansion planned for five new locations

East Riding’s free outdoor public access Wi-Fi, introduced as part of the smart county programme, has already seen 60,000 users connect since its launch, supporting the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s wider digital strategy. Funded by UK Government, the outdoor Wi-Fi coverage was rolled out to eight town centres in January 2023.

Free Wi-Fi is currently available in outdoor areas of Beverley, Bridlington, Goole, Hedon, Hornsea, Howden, Pocklington, and Withernsea. This is in addition to the indoor Wi-Fi services at 57 East Riding-managed facilities, such as libraries, leisure centres and care homes, which went live in April 2023.

In the first ten months, 60,000 people have connected to the outdoor public Wi-Fi, benefitting residents, businesses, and market traders. The service has also proven popular with visitors to the area, with Wi-Fi connections in coastal locations such as Bridlington, Hornsea, and Withernsea increasing by 80% during the summer months.

The Wi-Fi coverage played a key role in the success of a recent Bridlington beach volleyball tournament. During the NEVZA youth beach volleyball championships 2024, held in June, connections in the south beach area doubled compared to the previous week. The Wi-Fi also allowed Volleyball England to stream all 115 games on YouTube, attracting 35,000 views, with 35% of the audience tuning in from outside the UK.

Councillor David Tucker, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Deputy Leader, said, “We’re thrilled with the strong uptake of East Riding’s free public access Wi-Fi. This is an invaluable resource for local businesses, market traders, residents, and visitors. The next phase of the project will bring these benefits to even more towns across the East Riding.”

The upcoming expansion will extend Wi-Fi coverage to areas in Cottingham, Driffield, Hessle, and Snaith, along with additional coverage in Bridlington, including parts of Bridlington Old Town. The new coverage is expected to go live by late October 2024.