Central London 'to go wireless'

Wireless services will be extended to residential areas in mid-2007

Wireless services are to be rolled out to business and tourist districts across London's West End.

Remote internet access from portable devices will cover a square mile from December and be extended to the rest of Westminster Council's area by mid-2007.

"People can sit on a bus and access the internet to check office emails, find key events and attractions or pay online," said councillor Colin Barrow.

The Wireless City project includes wireless and mobile CCTV cameras.

"This is a significant step forward for our residents, and underpins our 'One City' vision to become the greatest city in the world," said Mr Barrow.

"Although this will initially be in the central business and government area, it will later on be rolled out to the more residential areas."

He said the wireless network would enable council staff to access office servers remotely which would improve efficiency.