Boris Johnson wants Wi-Fi for all

 

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By Matthew Sparkes

Posted on 24 Sep 2008 at 11:31

London could become a "Wi-Fi city" with blanket coverage for all, if Mayor Boris Johnson gets his way.

"What we need is a city where anywhere you go, you can log on, you can get on the web," said Johnson, speaking on BBC London radio. "They've done it in other parts of the world; why on earth can't we do it?"

The Mayor was rather sparing with detail on the proposed plans, however. No specifics were given on how the infrastructure could be funded, or whether it would be free to access the hotspots.

Johnson also took the opportunity to criticise Gordon Brown's recently announced plan to provide £300 million in vouchers for poor households to purchase computers and broadband connections.

"I certainly think there is a case for dealing with people who are information technology-poor, and trying to help people get online," conceded Johnson, before going on to say that the plan seemed like "a bit like a desperate bribe by the Prime Minister."

The Mayor of London's office was unable to clarify the Mayor's plans at the time of writing.

Click here to read Matthew Sparkes' opinion on free Wi-Fi for London on the PC Pro blogs