The City of London Corporation is to build a small cell network to provide an ultrafast wireless broadband service to replace its current free offering.
In giving the network the green light, the Corporation promised gigabit browsing speeds and to give users the ability to use high bandwidth services such as video streaming over a free network.
The project will be the largest single investment in wireless ever made in London and will go live in 2017. Its provider will be named in the next few weeks.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s policy and resources committee, Mark Boleat, said: “As the world’s leading financial hub, we are thrilled to bring our wireless connectivity up to speed.
“At a time when other major financial centres are competing with us, the Square Mile is boosting its appeal through initiatives such as this.”
The Corporation will deploy over 400 small cells on sites such as lamp posts, street signage and buildings – boosting the strength and reliability of the current wireless network.
It hopes this will address many of the current mobile connectivity problems that exist in the city of London.
London’s deputy mayor for business, Rajesh Agrawal, said: “Fast and reliable digital connectivity is crucial for businesses, and I’m really pleased the City of London Corporation is taking this significant step in improving speed and coverage in the Square Mile.
“The Mayor is committed to improving London’s connectivity, including tackling the capital’s ‘notspots’ and ensuring providers have better access to public-sector property for digital infrastructure.”