Jack Terry/Virgin Media/PA WireThere are some rural and remote locations in the UK that have yet to receive the benefit of the internet at all, but one Buckinghamshire town has superfast WiFi built into its pavements.
The high street in Chesham is the first in the United Kingdom to benefit from the Virgin Media scheme, and now have the ability to download 30 minutes of video in just 35 seconds with speeds of up to 166Mbps.
It works by creating a network through submerged processors in the ‘smart pavement’ and strategically placed cabinets. The service is currently free to all members of the public with no Virgin subscription necessary.
Jack Terry/Virgin Media/PA WireGregor McNeil, Managing director of consumer at Virgin Media, has revealed to GetBucks that the pilot will hopefully lead to a nationwide program.
He said:
Not only is this the first time we’ve built metropolitan WiFi directly from our street cabinets, it’s also the UK’s first deployment of a WiFi connected pavement. It’s literally public WiFi under your feet. We want to build more networks like this across the UK and encourage more forward thinking councils just like Chesham to get in touch.”
So all being well the upgraded paving could be available in your town in the not too distant future.
