FREE public Wi-Fi is Andover is one step closer to becoming a reality after project organisers opened the tender to potential providers of the service.

Andover BID has pledged to deliver free public Wi-Fi and footfall counting technology across the town, including at the railway station.

The initiative has been set up with a number of objectives, from encouraging people to visit the town to allowing BID members to advertise their businesses, promotions and events, as well as targeting specific customer demographics.

The tender for the project went live last Friday. Interested providers will have two weeks to submit their proposals to deliver the service, with the return date for sealed tenders set for Friday, September 27.

Speaking in July, when the project was first unveiled, BID manager Steve Godwin said: “The Wi-Fi will be completely free for use by all visitors, shoppers, traders and workers within the BID geographical area of the town.

“As well as getting everyone connected, by offering free Wi-Fi we can ensure that users are made aware of BID member promotions.

“Andover town centre offers a wide range of shops, a range of leisure facilities including a new leisure centre, an excellent theatre, a bowling alley, a cinema and a library. Having the ability to offer free Wi-Fi is a significant step in further meeting our visitor needs as well as providing new opportunities for local businesses to reach out to customers in a coordinated way.

“It is so important in this age of social media and online communities. Giving visitors free Wi-Fi in the town centre provides a positive experience and a big benefit for everyone coming into the centre.

“Businesses including retailers, pubs and restaurants and leisure facilities will have the ability to promote anything they are doing including promotions, offers and loyalty schemes.

“Once we have a fully digitally connected town, we can do so much more to enhance the visitor experience.”

Details of the tender process can be accessed from andoverbid.org.uk