Spread the Christmas cheer with free Wi-Fi at Aberdeen’s Winter Village

09 December 2016

Visitors to Aberdeen’s Winter Village can spread Christmas spirit through digital connectivity this year.

Aberdeen City Council’s Being Digital programme has gifted the streets of Aberdeen with free-high speed Wi-Fi.

The city’s fibre network – Aberdeen-City-Connect – is now available along Union Terrace and Union Street, from Union Bridge to the Castlegate.

Those visiting the Christmas stalls, the ice-skating rink or the impressive Norwegian Christmas Tree can simply login and register to start sharing their festive fun.

Even those who struggle to find their way out of the Christmas Maze on Union Terrace Gardens can call for help using the Wi-Fi signal.

Aberdeen City Council Finance, Policy and Resources Convener Councillor Willie Young said: “We are delighted to be able to add an extra special gift to Aberdeen’s festivities this year.

“Over the past number of years – the Council’s digital team have rapidly been developing the city’s infrastructure to bring increased commercial opportunities as well as many benefits for our citizens. The Christmas period is a time to connect and as such this was the perfect way to introduce the first phase of a wider connectivity programme for the city.”

The Being Digital programme also recently launched the first phase of a pilot scheme to bring free Wi-Fi to Aberdeen communities.

Free public internet is now available within several regeneration areas in the north of the City including Northfield, Cummings Park, Woodside and Tillydrone.

Through collaboration and engagement with the communities, the Council will seek to understand how connections can enhance the lives of individuals and the quality of services delivered.

Cllr Young added: “This specific deployment is very exciting as we seek to offer equal access to the benefits that technology brings for all our residents and understand the value it can bring through social inclusion, education and learning and employment opportunities.

Members of the public who have used the Aberdeen City-Connect service before will seamlessly connect to this new services when they open their device browsers.

New users can easily register and authenticate onto the service using their social media credentials or by completing a simple form.

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Having access to free high-speed Wi-Fi is essential for a thriving business community and the roll-out of this system will be incredibly useful for both residents and visitors. It is an exciting development, a vital investment and a big boost for the city centre.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council on this and have introduced the service for people enjoying the Winter Festival. Visitors to the Aberdeen Christmas Village can access the network from Union Terrace and Union Street, as well as from Bridge Street to the Castlegate. We also hope to expand it out to the whole BID area in coming months.

“Having this provision is a significant step in meeting the needs of residents and visitors to the city centre, as well as providing new opportunities for our local businesses to reach out to customers in new ways.”

The roll-out will complement work – including the revitalisation of Union Terrace Gardens – being undertaken through the City Centre Masterplan, which seeks to transform Aberdeen as a place to live, work, visit and do business.