High-speed wifi will be rolled out across Aberdeen city centre within weeks as part of a new £30million digital plan.
Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing said the move would make the Granite City one of Europe’s “smartest cities” following in the footsteps of Asian capitals like Seoul and Singapore.
She said the investment would appeal to both residents and potential investors.
The first phase of the project will see the free wifi service introduced in Union Street by next month.
Mrs Laing said: “Free, superfast wifi has been the central ambition of our innovation agenda and we are delighted to be at the point where we are ready to offer this in the Union Street area.
“We were inspired by Asian cities like Seoul and Singapore who were among the first in the world to offer residents, business and visitors free wi-fi in their city centres.
“This too is about building the Aberdeen brand and the global stage, but it’s more than that.
“We have to constantly strive to be on the cutting edge and we have to future proof the city in order to attract both inward investors and the people who would work for those businesses.
“Having free, city-centre wifi will play a key role in bringing people to the city.”
Mrs Laing said the £30million digital strategy – which includes £25million from the City Region Deal – was an integral part of the administration’s economic development plans and the city centre masterplan.
It will fund a number of projects in the coming years, including overhauling the city council’s digital network.
The second phase of the project will bring faster wifi to the beachfront and the business improvement district.
Mrs Laing added: “It is a very progressive move and a huge step forward for the city and those who live and work here.”
SNP infrastructure spokesman Michael Hutchison said faster wifi would make the city centre “a more attractive place to visit”.
He added: “This is just the tip of the iceberg for improving connectivity in Aberdeen thanks to the £379m investment that the Scottish Government has made.
“The Scottish Government’s £125million contribution towards the city deal and their £254million additional contribution will help deliver £42million of digital infrastructure upgrades in the region.”
