BT partnership secures greater access for town and university visitors
THE University of St Andrews has joined forces with BT to take the first step towards providing greater wi-fi access within the town.
Visitors to the University are now able to access BT Wi-fi across the St Andrews campus.
The new service makes St Andrews the first university in Scotland to offer university-wide wi-fi to all visitors.
Later this year, the University hopes to expand its wi-fi coverage across further areas of the town.
The new service is free to BT Broadband subscribers and a number of BT partners*, while charges may apply for other network users.
As the University’s existing wi-fi network is only available to staff and students, the new service allows visitors to University buildings such as the library, halls of residence, Gateway building and conference delegates to access the internet wirelessly.
Steve Watt, chief information officer at the University, said: “We have a large number of public visitors to the University and previously could not offer a wi-fi service to them (due to licensing restrictions).
“This solution removes these barriers and is also underpinned by BT’s excellent support operation.
“We are delighted to be working with BT in this partnership to deliver and expand our wi-fi provision within the university whilst also further leveraging the investment we have already made in our infrastructure to create a truly world-class experience.”
BT Scotland Director Brendan Dick was among the first visitors to connect to the new wi-fi network.
He said: “We’re really excited to be working on this project with St Andrews University, bringing a 21st century technological advantage to a historic town.
“It will not only provide widespread wireless internet access for visitors to university sites, but has the potential to be extended out across the town benefiting local residents, business people and visitors.
“A public BT Wi-fi network would be a major new asset to help enhance the visitor experience for the thousands of tourists, shoppers and golfers who make a significant contribution to the local economy.
“The University of St Andrews is to be commended for its vision and its wish to make sure that its local community can also reap the benefits of its technological development.
“We look forward to working closely with the University on the project in the months and years ahead.”
BT Wi-fi lets people do everything they do online while out and about, from dealing with work and emails to checking social media, downloading music and videos or accessing information.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
* Customers of EE, O2 and Vodafone who have free BT Wi-fi in their mobile contracts will be able to receive a free service.
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