A FREE Wi-Fi network is being launched in Southampton as part of a bid to become a ‘digital city’.

The move means Southampton is one of only a handful of cities in the country to offer substantial free Wi-Fi across large areas.

Residents, businesses and visitors can all benefit from the service which allows people to access the internet free of charge at key sites.

The offer allows 30 minutes of free internet use if the user is within one of the designated areas, where they can pick up the ‘SCC Free Wi-Fi’ signal.

As well as the free half-hour service there is also an option to sign up to 24 hours of access at the cost of £5 a day.

It is hoped the move will help promote successful economic growth and development.

According to city leaders the scheme further underlines the council’s commitment to making Southampton a “truly digital city”.

They say the free Wi-Fi will also give residents easy access to council facilities and services which are increasingly being offered online as the primary means of using them.

Southampton City Council has launched the project by teaming up with telecommunications company Arqiva to provide the free Wi-Fi in five key areas of the city.

The zones have been chosen based on footfall to key sites in the city and within these sites internet router boxes will be fixed to lampposts.

According to the council the new move will not the authority a penny and will generate a small amount of income that will go to the Wi-Fi provider.

Councillor Chris Hammond, cabinet member for transformation projects, said: “This is an exciting development which supports our aspirations of being a truly digital city.

“The scheme provides a direct means of delivering our digital services to local residents and generates a small amount of revenue for the council.

“The incentive is being delivered at no cost to the council, supports the local economy, provides a service for city residents and enhances the visitor experience.”

Some cities across the UK are providing or are about to provide free Wi-Fi access including Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, York, Cardiff, Birmingham, Nottingham and Portsmouth.

The new scheme will allow each phone or tablet user free internet use for 30 minutes per 24 hour period.

Scroll through the gallery above to see where you can get free Wi-Fi.