Description:

Free WIFI in Bordeaux city centre in February 2012

Bordeaux city centre is soon to have its own free WIFI connection.  The first area to be covered by the free internet access is the quayside which has recently been entirely renovated.  All along the quays by the Garonne river people will be able to surf the net, send emails, exchange photos and messages on social networks from laptops, tablets and smartphones thanks to the Mairie de Bordeaux’s new installation. 

A number of other public places within Bordeaux will be equipped with free WIFI in the coming months, including the Place de la Victoire, Pey Berland (Cathedral St André), Stalingrad on the right bank and other pedestrian zones.   It is also believed that a number of parks and public gardens will also have free WIFI in time. 

The project which has been in discussion for quite some time was expected to be in place before the end of 2011, however it has since been announced that free WIFI internet will be available in February this year.

People wishing to connect to the free network must first enrol on a platform to gain unlimited free internet access. 

The Mairie de Bordeaux has signed with Spanish firm Gowex to set this network up, a company which has already a strong track record, having installed similar networks in Madrid, Buenos Aires and Naijing in China amongst others. It remains to be seen how strong the connection will be, what type of protection users will have and other security issues surrounding the net.

One thing is for sure though, as soon as the sun comes out and the Bordelais flock to the quays for some fresh air, so will the computers, tablets and smartphones.