Free public WiFi using the latest available technology is coming to Morecambe Promenade, announced by Morecambe BID. The new WiFi 7 network will launch in the next couple of months, covering the town centre and West End.
Launch Timeline
The scheme is set to begin in the next quarter, with full coverage expected from Green Street in Morecambe town centre to the West End. The network will also be available in some streets behind the Promenade, within the Morecambe BID zone, and in residential areas of the West End.
Coverage Area
Morecambe BID said the network will span from Green Street to the West End, including streets behind the Promenade and the residential neighbourhoods. The service will also encompass the Eden site as it opens in autumn, ensuring a continuous digital corridor across the town.
Funding and Partnerships
The partnership that will deliver the WiFi 7 network includes Morecambe BID, Lancaster City Council and the Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission. Visa has funded the project, providing £20,000 to Morecambe BID last year as part of the 'Let's Celebrate Towns' scheme. The funding will support the installation and maintenance of the network.
Technology and Impact
The new smart WiFi network will use WiFi 7, described by HP as a game‑changing advancement. WiFi 7 offers speeds up to 46 Gbps, four times faster than WiFi 6, and is expected to improve gaming, business and home use. Phil Sykes, facilitator of the Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission, called the network a "huge milestone" that will eradicate digital exclusion in the area. The improved connectivity will aid residents in accessing healthcare, jobs, employment and basic services.
Community Support
David Waddington, chair of Morecambe BID, praised the project: "Morecambe BID has gone all out with the absolute best we can to support this public WiFi project. This will help events up and down the town throughout the year, as well as all of our visitors. We're using absolutely the latest technology, and in the next quarter we'll have free WiFi up and down the Promenade, which will also encompass the Eden site as it opens in autumn." The initiative is expected to boost local tourism and support community events.
Looking Ahead
With the WiFi 7 rollout, Morecambe aims to provide a digital corridor stretching all the way to the West End, offering residents and visitors a reliable, high‑speed connection. The partnership and funding from Visa will ensure the project is delivered on time and within budget, marking a significant step toward digital inclusion for the town.
