NDC has commissioned an Internet Wireless Cloud to cover the NDC area of Radford and Hyson Green. This will eventually provide free Internet access to residents along with a Community Portal which will offer information relevant to local people.
After some delays testing of the NDC Wireless Cloud is now well underway. A number of local, regional and national partners have been brought together to deliver the project which is set to provide an innovative new service available to all 10,000 members of the community when it goes live.
BT has installed the high capacity wireless network which will provide majority coverage across the Radford and Hyson Green areas via wi-fi access points located within street furniture.
Nottingham-based Hanlon Software Solutions, the country’s leading specialists in regeneration software, is developing the new information portal. Another local company, Polestar, is providing networking input and will be the Internet service provider for the whole area.
As part of the project, NDC has purchased a number of re-condiditoned computers through Social Enterprise Company, ELUSE. Hundreds have already been to local residents, schoolchildren (through Islamia School, Djanogly City Academy and Blue Coats School) and businesses, ready to go when the Internet signal becomes operational.
A number of special kiosks will also be located around the community, providing links to the portal for those residents who do not have computers of their own.
The portal is provided by Connected Nottingham and is funded by Greater Nottingham Partnership.