Free Public WiFi Switched on in Whitby

Monday, 29 November 2021 13:02

By Matthew Pells

A free public access Wi-Fi service covering the centre of Whitby has been launched as part of the county’s bid to support recovery and growth for communities and businesses.

The free Wi-Fi was switched on last Friday, the service is being seen as an opportunity to draw people back to town centres as a destination as more people continue to work from home. It aims to promote local shops and services and create a different town centre experience.

In partnership with NYnet Ltd, North Yorkshire County Council are rolling out the scheme in 16 market towns across the county.

In the last four weeks over 14,000 people have made use of the service across the county, with Saturdays proving the busiest day on average. Those 14,000 users have consumed enough data to watch 97 hours of Netflix, spend 53 days straight on Facebook or spend 1,649 hours on Google maps.

The council say free public access Wi-Fi offers opportunities for people with limited or no broadband to access vital local council, government and health services and take part in the digital economy.

County Councillor Don Mackenzie, Executive Member for Access, said:

“We hope that residents and visitors will make the most of the free Wi-Fi service across the seaside town. It’s easy to use; once you’re connected it will automatically sign you in on further visits.

“Digital connectivity is more important than ever for our businesses to unleash their economic potential. Having an online presence is key to showcase their products or services, and a good connection is vital for day-to-day operations such as ordering stock.”

David Dickson, Chair of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership Infrastructure & Joint Assets Board, said:

“Improved digital connectivity is vital for our economy. It’s a key recommendation put forward by the LEP in a major study examining the future prospects of our region’s towns. We are pleased to see the latest stage of this work launched in Whitby.”

A £3m investment was awarded by the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership as part of its allocation from the government’s Getting Building Fund.

Did you find this article useful?

This is the Coast is committed to providing a daily local news service for the Yorkshire Coast. We are a small locally owned and operated business which employs professional journalists and reporters. We do not receive any public funding or grants and we are entirely funded by our local commercial operations. We enjoy fabulous support from local businesses who work with us on their advertising and marketing campaigns, but the cost of providing high quality, well researched, fact checked local news coverage is significant.

If you appreciate what This is the Coast does, and would like to help support our journalism, please consider supporting us on a monthly basis today.

A small contribution from all our readers would really help support independent journalism for the Yorkshire Coast.

More from Yorkshire Coast News

Deputy Mayor- We Need Flood Funding for North Yorkshire

The high-ranking council official and colleagues in the fire service have been speaking to MPs to assist the county.
North Yorkshire Police To Expand Right Care Right Person Plan

North Yorkshire Police are expanding their right care right person initiative.
Scarborough Athletic Beaten at Promotion Chasers

Boro lost out at Scunthorpe, despite Harry Green's goal.
Whitby Town Win Six Pointer To Exit Bottom Four

The Blues gave themselves breathing space thanks to goals from Aaron Haswell and their midweek signing from Scarborough.
Yorkshire Coast Rugby- Scarborough Miss Opportunity

Scarborough RUFC suffered a rare loss on Saturday, but their nearest rivals in North East 2 were also beaten.
Brid Town Beaten In Thriller

The Seasiders remain in relegation trouble after a 3-2 loss in the North East.
Pickering Town March On After Fourth Win In Five

The Pikes are in great form and remain in contention for a play-off place.
North Yorkshire's "Most Difficult" Budget Approved

Councillors have approved North Yorkshire Council's budget for the next year which will see the maximum 4.99% increase to council tax bills.
New Site Proposed for Scalby School

Plans for a land deal with the Government to rebuild a Scarborough secondary school that was affected by crumbling concrete are set to be discussed.
Scarborough Sex Offender Jailed After Targeting Children Online

A Scarborough man who targeted children through social media for sexual gratification has been jailed.
Scarborough and Whitby Planners Approve Delay to High Mill Bridge Construction

The Scarborough and Whitby Area Planning Committee has approved an amendment to the planning permission for the High Mill development, allowing a delay in the construction of a pedestrian and cycle bridge over Scalby Beck.
New Dementia Support Services Coming to Scarborough

Dementia Forward has announced plans for new dementia support initiatives in the Scarborough area.