Filey Public Wifi Plan Set for Approval

Wednesday, 12 March 2025 06:00

By Anttoni James Numminen, Local Democracy Reporter and Matthew Pells

Plans to provide a free high-speed internet connection to residents and visitors in Filey’s town centre and seafront are set for approval.

Filey Town Council is set to discuss proposals for the provision of free public WiFi at a meeting tonight.

Councillors will be asked to decide whether to enter into a three-year contract with NYC’s in-house internet provider whilst having to take on some of the costs.

The installation of ‘access points’ has been proposed at 14 locations across the town at a total cost of £36,000 which would be met by North Yorkshire Council.

North Yorkshire Council now say they will also cover the first year of operational costs after which Filey Town Council would be responsible for the maintenance of each access point which would amount to £2,380 a year or around £200 a month.

It comes after Town Councillors last month asked for more information on teh proposal after concerns were raised that the Town Council would be left with an ongoing monthly costs which it hadn't budgeted for.

Councillor Sam Cross, who represents the division on NYC, said:

“I am pleased that North Yorkshire has offered to pay first year costs of free Wi-Fi because I receive a poor signal on the front and many residents complain about signal whilst walking on the front.”

If the plan is approved, Filey Town Council would also be responsible for access point replacement costs when they are required in around five years.

Free public Wi-Fi is currently available in 20 market towns across North Yorkshire via the authority’s provider NYnet, including Scarborough, Whitby, Thirsk, Malton, and Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Council has said that it is