Agenda item

This report sets out a response to questions raised by Councillor Osborne regarding the public facing component of the free wi-fi access across Medway and the nature of the data protection guidelines. 

Discussion:

The Committee received a report setting out a response to questions raised by Councillor Osborne concerning the public facing component of the free wi-fi access across Medway and the nature of the data protection guarantees.

The Committee was advised that the wi-fi service would focus on high footfall locations such as retail zones and key transport locations and would utilise networking equipment attached to specific assets, primarily street furniture capable of enabling core wireless network within its borders.

This service would enable digital and social inclusion for those who would typically not be able to access the internet and would allow equal accessibility regardless of the mobile network or service provider being used.

There would be no advertising on the street as the users’ mobile phones would indicate that they were in a wi-fi enabled area. Medway Council’s website would feature at the top of the list of services to be connected to.

The service would enable 30 minute free usage for every resident and visitor per handset every 24 hours. Should the user require further access then the service would be available at a fee.

Medway Council would have the ability to propose 3 websites which would be available to users free of charge 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. All sites, with the exception of the 3 free sites would be secured so that the user could not gain access without registering or purchasing time.

It was anticipated that the programme for setting up the service, including installation of equipment would be complete by the end of March 2015.

It was stressed that Medway would include a disclaimer on its front page to advise the user that they were registering with the service provider and not Medway Council.

The Chairman advised the Committee that this item included an exempt appendix setting out revenue implications and risk management and therefore if any Member wished to refer to these issues, the Committee would need to resolve to exclude the press and public.

In response to questions, the Head of ICT advised the following:

·        Officers had worked closely with London Boroughs where free wi-fi access was already available. She did however confirm that Medway Council would not receive a similar level of income raised through wi-fi access as some London Boroughs as it was recognised that mainline railway stations in London had a high footfall of public use.

·        A digital strategy was in the process of being discussed.

·        Officers were currently in discussion with both Planning and the Street Lighting Teams so as to ensure that the equipment used met their requirements.

·        Officers were in discussions with Medway’s Communications Team and Legal Services concerning the format and design of the Council’s homepage and any other branding before the service was launched.

·        The Council would not be the data controller for this project as the customer would register with the company providing the wi-fi service. However, the Council would ensure that the correct wording was on the front landing page so that the customer was fully aware who they were dealing with. 

Decision:

The Committee thanked the Head of ICT for the report and her answers to questions.