East Suffolk Council
Leiston benefits from free Wi-Fi extension following Sizewell C support
East Suffolk Council’s free Wi-Fi network has been extended to cover a larger area of Leiston, thanks to support from Sizewell C.
The existing free to use Wi-Fi in Leiston – installed to support those living, working, and visiting Sizewell C’s host town – was installed in 2022 and covers Church Square in the town.
Following funding by both East Suffolk Council and Sizewell C to benefit residents and businesses, an extension has now been installed to provide free Wi-Fi coverage along the High Street from Leiston Film Theatre to the Long Shop Museum on Main Street.
The new Wi-Fi equipment, provided and managed by Elephant Wi-Fi, was installed earlier this month.
Cllr Tim Wilson, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Economic Development and Transport said: “By providing information on the number of visitors to Leiston, the busiest times of day and where people visit most frequently, our free Wi-Fi and other digital projects are helping us provide tailored data-based support to businesses in the town.
“By extending the Wi-Fi coverage to reach more of the shopping area of the town, it is hoped this will encourage more people to visit and stay longer, further supporting local businesses.”
When visitors register online for the free Wi-Fi, they can choose to be sent an email newsletter throughout the year highlighting local events and information.
Launched as part of the East Suffolk Digital Towns programme, East Suffolk Free Wi-Fi is also available in Aldeburgh, Beccles, Bungay, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Halesworth, Leiston, Lowestoft, Saxmundham, Southwold and Woodbridge.
On Sizewell C’s involvement in extending the scheme in Leiston, Jack Raven, Senior Regional Development Project Manager said: “We want to do infrastructure differently here – and a big part of that ambition is to ensure that the benefits of Sizewell C are felt across our host town. Working with East Suffolk Council to extend this free provision is another great example of how this project can deliver for Leiston.
“Internet access is key to so many facets of daily life, and this extension will enable further digital connectivity to better access services that benefit the people who live and work here, as well as visitors.
“Internet connection is key to access some of the services we’re looking to support under our Net Zero Leiston initiative too, which aims to develop a greener, more prosperous future for the town. If digital connectivity was previously a barrier to accessing these, we’re hoping this helps address that barrier.”
The Digital Towns programme has delivered a range of digital projects to support market towns and businesses by strengthening the local economy and improving connectivity. This includes the installation of free public Wi-Fi, digital footfall counters and town marketing platforms, alongside a business support programme.
The Wi-Fi extension was partially funded by Sizewell C, who contributed £10,000 towards the project.