05 May 2017

Audrey Schaefer and Scott McEwan of Boston Networks reckon delivering free public Wi-Fi will boost Paisley’s campaign to be named UK City of Culture 2021.

Boston Networks will deliver wireless network connectivity for Renfrewshire Council and other public sector organisations in the area.  

The £6 million framework agreement will pave the way for free public Wi-Fi in Paisley, Johnstone and Renfrew town centres, as well as other public buildings. It will also enable the temporary provision of Wi-Fi to support major outdoor and indoor events.

The contract will allow the council and its framework partners – which include Renfrewshire Leisure, the University of West of Scotland, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, and West College Scotland – to extend wireless coverage to their indoor and outdoor locations throughout the area.

Renfrewshire Council has committed £1 million in the programme with the remaining £5 million for partner investment.

Collaborating closely with the council, Boston says it will design and deliver a secure and fully managed public access Wi-Fi solution. The company says it will deliver the platform and all associated services to meet current as well as future connectivity needs. 

According to the firm, the “ubiquitous, high performing and scalable” service will be capable of extending into additional areas as required to deliver a “seamless” user experience both indoors and outdoors in town centres.

Working with technology partner WiFi SPARK, Boston will provide users with network access through a bespoke self-registration portal. This promises to enable quick and easy internet access, and will also provide an opportunity for the council and framework partners to promote and advertise relevant local information. Furthermore, the platform will generate real-time user data to assist with messaging, marketing and analytics.  

As well as the design and deployment of the service, Boston will monitor all system elements to provide end user support and ensure round the clock connectivity. The company promises to deliver “exceptional” quality of service and “super-fast” incident resolution.

Renfrewshire Council is commissioning the system to address a number of key strategic priorities including tackling poverty, improving digital inclusion and participation, regenerating town centres, stimulating employment and economic growth, and to cement Paisley’s position as a home of education.

“Renfrewshire Council is setting the standard high,” says Scott McEwan, CEO, Boston Networks. “Their model will serve as an excellent example to other councils who, like Renfrewshire, will adopt digital technologies to deliver economic growth and transformation through the provision of digital public services.”