Free wi-fi scheme to be expanded

A youth volleyball championship in Bridlington was streamed live using the wi-fi

A free wi-fi scheme is to be expanded to cover more areas of East Yorkshire.

The free wi-fi is currently available in outdoor areas of Beverley, Bridlington, Goole, Hedon, Hornsea, Howden, Pocklington, and Withernsea.

However after 60,000 people accessed the service, East Riding of Yorkshire Council said it was now being rolled out to areas in Cottingham, Driffield, Hessle, and Snaith, along with additional coverage in Bridlington.

Councillor David Tucker, East Riding of Yorkshire Council's deputy leader, said the authority was "thrilled with the strong uptake" and called it an "invaluable resource".

The new coverage is expected to go live later this month.

Launched in January 2023, the scheme is government funded and part of the council's digital strategy to help people get connected.

The free wi-fi will soon be available in Driffield town centre

The service has been popular with visitors to the area, with wi-fi connections in coastal locations such as Bridlington, Hornsea, and Withernsea increasing by 80% during the summer months, the council said.

During the North European Volleyball Zonal Association's youth beach volleyball championships, held in June in Bridlington, the council said connections in the South Beach area doubled compared with the previous week.

The wi-fi also allowed Volleyball England to stream all 115 games on YouTube, attracting 35,000 views, with 35% of the audience tuning in from outside the UK.

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