Providing nationwide connectivity is still proving to be a slow process in the UK. Despite schools and businesses across the country relying on internet-based apps for work, there are still 1.5 million homes without internet access.
A new initiative led by tech companies TechB, TekTowr and Lamway is set to change this. Starting in Bath, the organisations have joined forces to catalyse an internet connectivity revolution.
Together they have developed an innovative solution to provide low-cost, reliable public Wi-Fi whilst putting money back into consumers’ pockets. The aim is to deliver affordable internet to homes and high streets.
Putting connectivity first
Technology industry leaders, Matt Banham and Chris Thompson, are keen to see the residents of Bath be the first in the UK to benefit from the new community controlled Public Wi-Fi.
Meshii Public Wi-Fi is a decentralised network built by participants linking their device to a Meshii hub to share a portion, or all of its internet to help build out the public Wi-Fi Network. Participants with a device will be rewarded and receive money in their digital wallet to offset costs or buy coffee!
“We believe that freedom of Wi-Fi access is a fundamental human right”
On this pioneering ambition, Chris Thompson, CEO of Meshii Wi-Fi, explains how this will be achieved: “We believe that freedom of Wi-Fi access is a fundamental human right. Meshii Wi-Fi seeks to level the playing field and connect every person on the planet to a joined-up Public Wi-Fi network governed by the people, for the people.”
Individuals and businesses in Bath will have the unique opportunity to own a new Meshii Gateway Device and start earning. The devices will enable the community to come together to build something new, igniting a new wave of technological invention within Bath and, most importantly, bridging the digital divide.
Residents in Bath will be the first in the UK to benefit from the new community controlled Public Wi-Fi.
“Together we have successfully developed a prototype Wi-Fi device designed specifically for securely sharing internet into a large-scale network,” says Matt Banham, CIO of Meshii Wi-Fi. “Having undergone significant small-scale testing, we are now eager to trial this in a larger-scale setting.”
Following the rollout in Bath, the whole of the South West will gradually get connected. The plan is for the entire region to be benefitting by the end of 2023.
Register your interest online today for a chance to receive one of 100 Meshii devices being given away for free. Join the Wi-Fi revolution and help to put reliable, high-speed, low-cost internet in the hands of those who need it most.
Shona Wright
Shona covers all things editorial at TechSPARK. She publishes news articles, interviews and features about our fantastic tech and digital ecosystem, working with startups and scaleups to spread the word about the cool things they're up to.
She also oversees TechSPARK's social media, sharing the latest updates on everything from investment news to green tech meetups and inspirational stories.
