Wireless Internet would be free (From Witney Gazette)

Wireless Internet would be free

1:24pm Monday 29th January 2007 in Witney By Rosalind Miles

A WITNEY company is launching a petition to lobby decision-makers to allow free wireless Internet access throughout Witney.

VPSurf, based in High Street, has asked Oxfordshire County Council for permission to use street lamps to install antennas and transmit wireless Internet across the whole town.

The company provides wireless Internet to the High Street, by using antennas set up on rooftops.

Bruno Coppein, of VPSurf, said: "We would like to extend our wireless Internet throughout the town. We have asked to use street lights, as they are much cheaper to use than installing antennas on rooftops.

"It would cost £250,000 to put transmitters on to street lamps, but twice that much to use rooftops.

"The county council is still deciding, but if we can say to them that there's a need and a demand for wireless Internet in Witney, then perhaps it will listen.

"The wireless Internet is completely free, and you don't have to sign a contract. We are not asking people to buy anything, just to sign a petition if they are interested.

"If we are successful, wireless Internet will be available for not only individuals, but for the local authority and for businesses to use for free, saving them a significant amount of money. It will also provide a connection for wireless CCTV."

Mr Coppein said the wireless signal might have some trouble reaching through very thick building walls, but an antenna could be used to overcome this problem.

To register on the online petition, visit www.vpsurf.com