Free wifi in pubic buildings and spaces is to be provided in four local authorities in Scotland as a result of funding provided by the EU.

The WiFi4EU initiative promotes free access to Wi-Fi connectivity for citizens in public spaces including parks, squares, public buildings, libraries, health centres and museums in municipalities throughout Europe. Any area can apply for vouchers to the value of 15,000 euros. The vouchers are to be used to install Wi-Fi equipment in public spaces within the municipality that are not already equipped with a free Wi-Fi hotspot.

The first group of winners were announced earlier this month by the European Commission, and Perth and Kinross together with Aberdeen, Dundee and Midlothian were among the 15 areas in the UK to be nominated to receive funds.

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Welcoming the announcement, Councillor Murray Lyle, Leader of Perth & Kinross Council, said: "This funding is very welcome as it will help us to continue to drive forward investment in publicly available Wi-Fi in Perth and Kinross.

"Our council was one of the first in the UK to introduce Wi-Fi into its public buildings as part of the UK Government's Superconnected Cities initiative. Our libraries and other buildings in rural areas built on this in 2017 with funding to support public Wi-Fi from the Scottish Government. As a Council we have introduced public free WiFi within Perth City Centre and have plans to roll this out to other parts of Perth and Kinross too.

"I am pleased we are able to continue our commitment to public Wi-Fi with EU funds from EU4WiFi."

The funding comes as a voucher and will cover the equipment and installation costs of Wi-Fi hotspots with a registered supplier. It does not include the costs of the connectivity (internet subscription), maintenance and operation of the equipment.