YORK city centre now has free wifi as the city continues on its goal to become one of the best connected cities in Europe.

The first phase of a wifi programme has been rolled out across the city centre and park and ride terminals, allowing members of the public to access the network from any wireless device.

The wifi is being supplied by Pinacl Solutions and has been funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), as part of York’s status as one of 22 Super Connected Cities.

The Super Connected Cities status also means businesses in the city can apply for vouchers to claim up to £3,000 towards the cost of accessing superfast broadband.

Cllr James Alexander, leader of City of York Council said: "This unique combination of city centre and strategic transport free Wi-Fi is a huge step forward in our ambitious digital plan to be one of the best connected cities in Europe by 2015.

"Having access to free Wi-Fi is essential for a thriving business community in today's marketplace. The network will also prove an invaluable resource in supporting the council's work to further understand and monitor how the city centre is used in order for the city to prosper and grow”.

The expansion of the public wireless coverage in York follows on from the success of a pilot wifi solution which Pinacl installed in Coney Street and St Helens Square, which received more than 1 million hits in its first three months of operation.