PR releases

Islington unveils London's first wireless housing estate

Free wireless broadband network supports council's regeneration drive.

London, 10th December 2007 – Cityspace, the leading provider of urban digital networks and Islington's Technology Solutions Group have completed the extension of the council's WiFi network bringing free broadband access to hundreds of social housing residence and enabling mobile working for council employees and contractors.

Cllr Terry Stacy, Islington Council's Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Housing and Communities joined residents to mark the extension of the established 'Technology Mile' network to embrace the 3,000 residents of Ashby House and the Marquess housing estates.

"As a council we are always looking for new ways for residents to access our services but the cost of an internet connection has been a barrier for some," said Stacy.

"Now we've made it free, anyone can easily get useful information to help improve their lives. The network also provides the council with another opportunity to reach our residents, and, critically, it's a key enabler for regeneration - strengthening communities and increasing opportunities for people to work and learn wherever they are."

Islington pioneered municipal wireless broadband with London's original largest free network established in June 2005. The 'Technology Mile' as it was then called, ran from the affluent hub of the borough at The Angel to Highbury & Islington. In February last year, it was extended to 2.3 miles into the less privileged communities of Holloway Road and now runs into the ward of Canonbury, creating a virtual 'wireless ward' of approximately an additional square mile.

An average of 15,000 users are logging onto the network every month and latest figures show some 500 users an hour on the Marquess and Ashby House estates alone accessing information and the internet through the council's landing page through the 'StreetNet' service delivered by Cityspace. The wireless mesh network uses 14 RepeatIT BS5432 nodes and delivers speeds of between 350-500 kbps.

Marc Meyohas, CEO of Cityspace, which installed and manages the network said: "This extension truly demonstrates the value of an urban municipal wireless service. Whilst plans are being considered for mobile working, VoIP, CCTV and other useful applications, the service is delivering a valuable commodity to the borough and Cityspace is proud to play its part in the project."

About Cityspace

Cityspace is in the business of making cities more accessible by giving people information and useful services where they're needed most. It is uniquely placed to deliver a complete 'digital city' infrastructure.

Since 1996 the company has been designing and delivering helpful services in public spaces through its innovative urban digital networks. These managed networks use the latest broadband technology to connect communities with real-time information at the point of need using interactive, broadcast and transactional services.

The company comprises three divisions:

Cityspace Transport works with transport authorities and rail and bus operators to deliver real-time information, journey planning, off-board ticketing and security which makes it easy to use public transport

Cityspace Wireless delivers outdoor wireless broadband networks for public access to online services and the internet, mobile working efficiencies for local authorities and wireless connectivity for fixed infrastructure, such as traffic signals and CCTV

Cityspace Interactive Media provides information and transactional services through self-service terminals in public spaces. Positioned in pedestrian hubs, these terminals help the public to reach their council, navigate the city and access job opportunities, free email and other useful services

Visit www.cityspace.com for more information.