New public wi-fi access for Aberdeen City Council buildings

12 July 2015

Free wi-fi is now available across 30 publicly-accessible Aberdeen City Council buildings, as part of the latest work to be delivered by the Accelerate Aberdeen programme.

Aberdeen City Connect is available in 17 libraries, nine community and learning centres, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Seventeen, Adventure Aberdeen and Marischal College, and is aimed at not only widening access to internet-based services across the city, but will also helping to address some of the digital divide and social inclusion.

The Accelerate Aberdeen programme is part of the wider Shaping Aberdeen agenda which aims to deliver world-class digital infrastructure to enable sustained growth and diversity and provide citizens with access to the best services from the public and private sectors.

The wi-fi access, which was designed and deployed by preferred supplier Pinacl Solutions, combines Ruckus Wireless technology with a user-friendly social wi-fi portal.

Aberdeen City Council Deputy Leader Councillor Marie Boulton said: "Improved connectivity in Aberdeen is great news for the city and the high demand for this is driven by economic growth, along with the city's vibrant commercial and residential sectors.

"The availability of world-class digital connectivity is a key component in our Strategic Infrastructure Plan, as we want more people to have access to the internet.

"We established the Accelerate Aberdeen programme to promote and encourage the deployment of the world-class digital infrastructure required to meet the city's demands. This latest development is part of a broader programme of work to make Aberdeen a smarter city, capable of meeting and supporting the needs of its citizens and businesses."

Pinacl strategic relationship director Mark Lowe said: "We are delighted that our CityConnect WiFi solution was chosen and is now live across the 30 public council locations. Being part of the Accelerate Aberdeen programme is a real privilege. Free wi-fi is gaining real momentum and is widely being acknowledged as a key enabler for digital strategies."