Phone signal in the UK has been pretty crappy lately. Even in London, accessing the world wide web when you’re out and about is surprisingly tricky. So, just imagine the struggle of trying to get online in rural seaside towns (first world problems, we know).
Residents in the north Yorkshire coastal town of Filey have been complaining about having poor signal along the seafront for some time now, according to local councillors. Plans to provide public high-speed internet connection across the town are being discussed this week.
You can already find free public wi-fi in 20 towns across north Yorkshire, including Scarborough, Whitby, Thirsk, Malton and Harrogate. A free public wifi network is also being trialled in parts of London right now.
The idea is that wi-fi access points will be installed at 14 locations across Filey. It’s expected to initially cost £36,000 in total, which will be covered by North Yorkshire Council. The council says it would then cover the first year of maintenance after which it’ll pass the baton onto Filey Town Council.
Nothing’s confirmed yet, though. This evening (Wednesday, March 12), local councillors will be asked whether they agree with entering into a three-year contract with North Yorkshire Council's in-house internet provider. North Yorkshire Council said that it is ‘exploring how this technology could be used to promote local shops and services and create a different town centre experience’.
ICYMI: When will the UK next get warm weather?
Plus: When will phone signal in the UK finally improve?
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.