Dawlish News
Final approval on a plan to boost the economy in Teignbridge, which includes free public Wi-Fi in town centres, establishing a ‘business incubator’ for regenerating town centres, turned into yet another debate on Brexit and whether it is a 'disruptive force'.
The plans include free public Wi-Fi in town centres. Phase 1 would see Teignbridge intend to deliver the installation of a public Wi-Fi solution for Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish town centres that would be a no-cost option for the council, where both the provider and the council can profit from the application.
Read more...https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/councils-meeting-over-free-public-2066729
How can Wi-fi boost the economy? Is it so you can log in and compare prices and order from Amazon ..rather than buy in the shop!
Free car parking to get people to shop in towns would make more sense!
The problem with free parking is there would never be any spaces i pay for a permit for parking in the Barton Car Park if on road parking was free i would be permanantly parked outside my place of residence and so would most folk who live in the Town centre. The only advantage i can see to free wifi is that i may not have to pay a broadband supplier each month but would be able to use the free wifi instead.
The idea is that people stay in the town centre longer and hopefully spend more money rather rush off somewhere to get a WiFi connection. I'm sure this will work in bigger town centres but Dawlish has less to offer unless you want charity shops or cafes!
I wouldn't expect very fast speeds and the security of connection would certainly be a lot lower than a hard wired home connection. Just a bit of a gimmick rather than something that takes a bit of thought, effort and understanding.....typical project lame from those in charge....in my opinion.
If there was free wifi available, then the people who want it will just sit on the lawn/bandstand/benches and not worry about anything else except who is looking at them on fakebook.
I think that there are a few businesses already offering wifi to customers around town so if you want free wifi, go to a café or pub etc who supply it, that way the town benefits from people spending money.
Just my thought.