Leighton Buzzard introduces Friendly WiFi Certified Free WiFi to the High Street
Leighton-Linslade is the latest town council to take the online safety of its visitors and residents seriously, by having its new free town centre public WiFi services certified by Friendly WiFi.
The ‘Friendly WiFi’ logo will assure WiFi users that the free service, which launched on 2nd January has reached an industry-standard level of content filtering and that access to pornography and child abuse websites, videos and images is blocked.
Leighton-Linslade Town Council, supported by the principal authority of Central Bedfordshire, has been working with local WiFi provider Elephant WiFi to ensure a service is installed that is safe and provides easy access login to their WiFi service plus the ability to receive information and updates from the town council.
Whilst interaction and additional services are key to the introduction of a free public WiFi network to the town, the council wanted to make sure that it was safe and comfortable for all to use and therefore wanted to obtain the Friendly WiFi certification to show users that it is taking positive steps to keep them safe online.
Cllr. Amanda Dodwell, Chair of the Cultural and Economic Services Committee at Leighton-Linslade Town Council said: “I am delighted to have reached this service industry- standard that seeks to protect our children and vulnerable members of our community. It is important that whilst we seek ways to add value to our High Street, we remain mindful of all the issues.”
Bev Smith, Director at Friendly WiFi said: “We are proud to be working with Leighton-Linslade Town Council to help them ensure the Friendly WiFi certification is included in their free public WiFi service. As connectivity plays such a big part of everyone’s lives, whilst shopping, eating and drinking, the town’s commitment to certification recognises the importance of also keeping their WiFi users safe online”
To use the free WiFi, users simply choose ‘Buzzard Free WiFi’ on their phone or tablet’s WiFi settings and register through the log-in page.
