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The project is being backed by the Football League as a potential future revenue stream for the clubs, many of which are experiencing severe financial problems. It is working with Toshiba, which anticipates that the service will benefit those working in the ground - such as journalist and photographers - and those watching. Possible applications include providing supporters (probably via a PDA) with team information, stats and scores from other matches or providing Internet

Individual clubs will determine the extent and the cost of access, its currently free while the scheme gets off (or rather into) the ground. They will also be able to provide access to commercial service; online betting seems to be the obvious first step.

Andy Bass, general manager of Toshiba Information Systems (UK), described its work with the Football League as 'a huge step in making wireless Internet access available to a mass audience and just one element of Toshiba's aggressive hotspot strategy to enable public locations across the country.'

The installations are based on Toshiba's new low-cost hotspot solution, which comes in at around £400 to the site-owner and £5 to provide 24 hours access.

'This will allow any UK business, regardless of size, to install, run and make money from a public wireless network,' said Bass.

'We expect this to be the first wireless hotspot product to really bring wireless connectivity to a mass audience at such a low-cost price point.'