Free wifi in Antwerp, expansion in Brussels

Although the plans for free wireless internet (wifi) in public places across Antwerp and Brussels were already announced, more details have become known. Antwerp will roll out free wifi service before the end of this year at Koningin Astridplein, De Keyserlei, Meir, Wapper, Theaterplein, Meirbrug, Schoenmarkt, Groenplaats, Jan Blomstraat, Handschoenmarkt, Grote Markt, Suikerrui and Steenplein.

Digipolis, the Belgian company that provides ICT services to the city of Antwerp, has awarded the contract to Citymesh and integrator Dimension Data (as well as to a third party, an advertising partner). Bruges-based Citymesh manufactures, installs and maintains wireless networks for cities and municipalities, drilling platforms and special events.

On Brussels’ Grand Place, tourists can surf for free at all times, and according to the city’s new coalition government, all metro stations of the region are also to be equipped with free wifi.

The idea for the free wifi comes from the cities’ tourism offices. “More and more people use their smartphones to snap photos in tourist hot spots,” say tourism offices. “With free wifi, they can immediately upload and share their photos and locations with friends and family via social media, thereby contributing to the global promotion of our cities.”