Birmingham goes for blanket wireless access

Birmingham is the latest city to get blanket wi-fi, beginning in spring next year.

The UK's second city has signed a deal with BT as part of its Digital Birmingham initiative and will see a square mile in the city centre, covering Brum's main shopping streets, equipped with wireless internet access.

Consumers will be able to access info from Birmingham City Council via the network's portal, while those looking for a more traditional web experience can buy access from BT Openzone.

Lampposts will be used to be used to hide BT's wi-fi equipment, which will also be added to the city's BT Tower.

Rival ISP The Cloud also plans to blanket a number of UK city centres with wireless internet access, including London's Square Mile.