London Embracing Square Mile Broadband Innovation

London's “Square Mile” city centre is a hotbed of economic activity and cultural development. It is not all that great when it comes to superfast broadband. London ranks 26th out of 33 European capitals for broadband speed, according to a recent report published by City A.M. But city officials intend to change that. City A.M. reports that the City of London Corporation is on the cusp of launching a brand-new wi-fi network capable of achieving speeds as high as 180 Mbps within the Square Mile. If the plan comes to fruition, it will make London's city centre one of the fastest places in Europe for wi-fi internet access. In addition, the government will be investing millions of pounds in the Square Mile over the next few years to upgrade fibre optic networks capable of delivering internet at 1 GB per second. City leaders have their eyes firmly focused on 5G wireless as well, with the intent of ensuring that mobile data services are the fastest in the world. By February, City of London Corporation chair Catherine McGuinness says some 7,500 residents in 12 City Corporation housing estates will enjoy upgraded fibre optic. London eventually expects to expand the faster broadband throughout the City's seven boroughs.

Broadband the Future of Communications

So why exactly is the City of London pouring so much money into broadband and mobile communications? In a phrase, it is the future of communications. The UK has long been a technology leader in broadband and data delivery services and city officials want London to be at the forefront in both the short and long terms. City leaders believe it is worth the money to develop broadband and mobile services in the Square Mile. You could make the case that part of the recent push by the City of London Corporation is a direct result of 2016's Brexit vote in as much as experts are warning of a business exit from the capital once the UK pulls out of the EU. Whether that exit actually occurs is of no consequence in this regard. Simply the fear of an exit is enough to spur city leaders to do whatever they can to encourage more businesses to stay in the city. If that means upgraded fibre optic broadband networks and faster wi-fi and mobile services, so be it. Faster broadband and mobile services in the Square Mile area will certainly benefit local residents and businesses and it will benefit the rest of the UK as well. Over time, what is implemented in the City of London will gradually spread across the entire UK. The only question is whether it will happen fast enough to make us the legitimate leader in Europe. Irrespective of if it does or not, London's city leaders believe it is imperative to keep the Square Mile at the cutting-edge of communications. They are backing up those beliefs with money; now we will see what that money buys. Hopefully it buys remarkably faster data services very soon. Source:  http://www.cityam.com/274304/were-switching-superfast-square-mile-and-connecting-city