While most people have given up on looking to the EU for funding, there is time for councils to apply for a EUR 15,000 Wi-Fi EU grant before Brexit is finalised.
The WiFi4EU funding programme, which is designed to give local authorities the chance to access EU financing to build free public wireless internet hotspots, is still around and value-added distributor Nuvias and networking outfit Nokia are ready to help town and city councils move quickly to install and deploy Wi-Fi in the early stages of this programme.
Local authorities can register on the WiFi4EU portal and apply for the grant or voucher. Applicants will be selected on a first-come, first-serve basis, so time is of the essence. Nuvias and Nokia together have the solutions and expertise they reckon to move quickly and help councils get community Wi-Fi systems up and running.
NuviasTechnologies & Solutions Development Director Rob Clark said that despite uncertainty over BREXIT, the UK is still eligible to participate, but time is running out.
“Connectivity stakes are high in today’s digital age, so UK councils are strongly encouraged to participate by registering today”, recommends. As of 25th April 2018, some 74 UK municipalities had already registered”, he said.
“Citizens today expect local authorities to provide Wi-Fi access in public areas such as shopping centres, stadiums, event venues, airports, train stations and bus stops. In fact, nearly 43 percent of Britons are frustrated by the lack of free, public wi-fi networks available, according to YouGov research detailed in the Digital High Street 2020 Report. Additionally, studies have shown that cities investing in public Wi-Fi gain substantial benefits. More than half of respondents to a European Cities Monitor survey stated that “quality of telecommunications” was a key factor in attracting people and business to cities, and investment in this area is likely to generate rewards”, he added.
