Since the start of the roll out in outdoor spaces, in 2023, public access Wi-Fi installed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council has had a significant positive impact on local communities, helping businesses, residents and visitors.
Free Wi-Fi is now available in a number of areas across the East Riding, including in 13 outdoor town centres from Bridlington to Snaith. The service is also available in 66 venues, including libraries, leisure centres, and care homes.
To date, the scheme has seen an average of more than 2,000 users connect to Wi-Fi services per day, allowing users to stay connected with friends, family and the local community.
It has improved connectivity in areas with limited mobile phone signal, and helped residents find out more about what is going on in the East Riding. It has also helped businesses such as facilitating traders to accept contactless card payments in East Riding markets.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has used the social value engine, an online tool accredited by The Institute for Social Value, to determine that the scheme has provided the region with £2.6 million in social and economic value creating £2.43 of social impact for every £1 spent.
More than £1 million was invested to meet East Riding priorities, resulting in £1.2 million for economic growth, £1.2 million for community support, and more than £145,000 to help children and young people succeed. The Wi-Fi is supplied by KCOM and funded by the UK Government via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The scheme is part of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council's Smart County Programme and contributes to the council's broader digital strategy.
Councillor David Tucker, East Riding of Yorkshire Council Deputy Leader, said, "This is a great initiative to increase digital connectivity across our region, and to benefit residents, visitors and the local economy.”
Users can enjoy free connectivity in any coverage area by connecting to the "EastRidingFreeWiFi" network. Following a recent user survey, the login process has been improved in response to public feedback. Users now simply tick to accept Terms & Conditions to get online. An email address is only needed if users choose to sign up for council newsletters.
Learn more at www.socialvalueengine.com.
