Free public Wi-Fi goes live in Newtown town centre

Free public Wi-Fi has been launched in Newtown town centre following a lengthy rollout under the town’s Smart Towns programme.

The service is now available in a number of key locations and has been delivered by Newtown Town Council and Powys County Council using funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

As well as providing internet access for residents, visitors and businesses, the system will collect anonymous data on footfall, visitor movements and dwell times in the town centre.

Town councillors say the information will help support future investment, regeneration projects and events.

Councillor Peter Lewington, who has led the project, said: “The launch of free public Wi-Fi is a significant step forward for Newtown. Not only will it help people stay connected while they work, shop or visit the town, but the data gathered will provide valuable insights that can help us shape a stronger, more resilient town centre for the future.”

The Wi-Fi network forms part of Newtown’s Smart Towns programme, which has been under development for several years.

The initiative was launched to help the town make greater use of technology and data to understand how people use the town centre and to support economic development.

While progress has been slower than originally anticipated, the launch of the public Wi-Fi network is one of the most significant projects delivered so far under the programme.

The data generated by the system is expected to provide a clearer picture of visitor numbers, movement patterns and how long people spend in different parts of the town centre.

Town council officials said no personal data or browsing information would be collected.

The council believes the information could help strengthen future funding bids and provide evidence for regeneration projects aimed at boosting Newtown’s town centre.

Further expansion of the network is planned as the Smart Towns programme develops.