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Free public WI-FI for Devon towns as part of plans to boost economy

Free public Wi-Fi in town centres is among the ideas that Teignbridge District Council is exploring as ways to boost the economy in the district.

A draft version of the Economic Development Plan 2018-2023 goes before the council’s overview and scrutiny committee on Monday, April 9. 

Among the ideas mentioned in the plan is to explore the possibility of introducing free public Wi-Fi for town centres, to increase their appeal and stimulate local spending.

Phase 1 would see Teignbridge intend to deliver the installation of a public WiFi solution for Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish town centres that would be a no-cost option for the council, where both the provider and the council can profit from the application.

If the public Wi-Fi in Newton Abbot, Teignmouth and Dawlish is successful in generating an income for the council, then they will seek to extend the project to Ashburton, Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, Chudleigh and Moretonhampstead town centres.

The report outlines that phase one would hope to be delivered in 2018 to early 2019, and then if it is successful in generating income, phase two would be delivered between 2021 and 2023.

The report of Neil Blaney, Economy Manager, says: “The Council’s previous Economic Development Plan covered the period 2012-2015. Following the introduction of the Council’s 10 year strategy it is necessary to develop a new Economic Development Plan that aligns to the strategy.

“The Plan sets out what we do to support local business, to spur inclusive economic growth and to widen opportunities to our citizens. Mindful of the ever evolving nature of the economy it is recommended that the Plan has a five year timeframe, covering the period 2018-2023.

“The updated plan sets out a vision for the local economy derived directly from the Council Strategy, and proposes an approach of ‘5 Years 5 Ventures’ to set out in more detail exactly what we’ll do. Those ventures are Supporting and Networking, Driving Productivity, Building Partnerships, Catalysing Growth and Cooperative Services.

“The Plan will guide the Economic Development work plans and focus for the next five years. It will also inform how our resources will be focused, budgets identified, and services and projects prioritised to support economic growth.”

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