Free Wi-Fi coming to Barcelona

Mayor Jordi Hereu described the high-tech initiative as “Barcelona’s ambition applied to 21st-century systems”.

The network is up and running now and provides free internet access at 170 hotspots around the city, which are clearly marked by ‘W’ signs. The number of access points will increase to 300 before the end of the year and is hoped to reach 500 by the end of 2010.

Ramon Garcia-Bragado, Barcelona’s deputy mayor for urban planning, said: “This is not a commercial or professional service, but rather a public one.”

Visitors will be able to access the internet at a number of public facilities, including museums, markets, libraries and sports centres.

The service could prove particularly useful for tourists looking for information on events and attractions around the city.