Town WiFi project to be pursued

A task group is to be set up to look into plans for a WiFi network serving Newtown, allowing access for residents, businesses and visitors.

Newtown Town Council is likely to set up a task group to look into the network.

Other towns in the UK have set up similar networks allowing access to high speed WiFi as an alternative to cellular and even copper or fibre networks.

The council's economy and environment committee is likely to establish a task group to research the idea during a meeting next Monday.

Two weeks ago the Welsh Government launched plans to expand the high speed broadband network in Wales following the end of the Superfast Cymru scheme that has brought fibre broadband to large parts of the area.

But with 4G and even fibre still inaccessible in parts of Newtown, a WiFi scheme could provide an alternative.

The government said it was willing to listen to communities and town councils about ways of delivering alternative high speed broadband to communities.

The town council has been asked to comment.