If we want to stay ahead in the digital transformation, it is due time to revive our efforts on connectivity.
Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market
Free Wi-Fi for all Europeans
WiFi4EU provides free access to public Wi-Fi for locals and visitors in parks, squares, public buildings, libraries, health centres, schools, and museums throughout Europe. WiFi4EU is part of the Commission’s Digital strategy, making digital services and digital skills more easily available.
Connecting to the WiFi4EU network is very simple. Across Europe, you find it by looking for “WiFi4EU” in the list of available hotspots.
The WiFi4EU initiative provides free Wi-Fi hotspots to 8,802 municipalities Between 2018 and 2020, WiFi4EU vouchers have been awarded via 4 calls for applications open to municipalities across Europe. Each € 15,000 voucher supports the installation of the WiFi4EU hotspots using the services of local Wi-Fi installation companies. The vouchers have been assigned on a first-come, first-served basis while ensuring a fair geographical balance between participating countries.
How does it work?
- Municipalities need to ensure that internet access is guaranteed for at least three years.
- Municipalities must display the WiFi4EU visual identity in the designated public spaces.
- Municipalities are free to select the Wi-Fi installation company of their choice.
- Installations should not duplicate existing free private or public Wi-Fi access.
- WiFi4EU-funded networks must be free of charge, free of advertising and free from commercial reuse of data.
The WiFi4EU reach:
- 87,409 municipalities eligible in the EU
- 28,880 municipalities registered in the WiFi4EU portal
WiFi4EU awarded municipalities:
EU Member State | Funding (million) |
---|---|
Austria | €5.8 |
Belgium | €4.2 |
Bulgaria | €3.6 |
Croatia | €6.9 |
Cyprus | €1.8 |
Czechia | €4.7 |
Germany | €13.7 |
Denmark | €0.3 |
Estonia | €0.8 |
Finland | €0.8 |
France | €11.6 |
Greece | €4.7 |
Hungary | €4.9 |
Ireland | €1.7 |
Italy | €17.6 |
Latvia | €0.5 |
Lithuania | €0.7 |
Luxembourg | €0.3 |
Malta | €0.8 |
Netherlands | €0.8 |
Poland | €5.9 |
Portugal | €4.1 |
Romania | €10.3 |
Slovakia | €4 |
Slovenia | €2.5 |
Sweden | €0.9 |
Other Countries | Funding (million) |
Iceland | €0.1 |
Norway | €1.3 |
United Kingdom | €0.5 |
Connectivity is key in this era of digitalisation and the introduction of WiFi4EU will strengthen Offaly’s reputation as a forward thinking and digitally inclusive urban and rural landscape, which strongly promotes access to on-line services and information across the County.
Offaly County Council, Ireland
Visitors always have a great need to have access to the internet so that they can access information about where they are, where they need to go, and generally feel safe. What we are trying to achieve is the sense of security that comes with the possibility of connectivity for anyone who visits our municipality.
Thermaikos, Greece
WiFi4EU solves the issue of accessibility for many people by creating an inclusive context for the inhabitants. At the same time, once we ensure accessibility we can focus into diversifying the ways citizens access the public services and we have already started a policy on digital transformation.
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
WiFi4EU Community
The WiFi4EU Community is open to all WiFi4EU stakeholders, primarily municipalities and Wi-Fi installation companies, but also citizens and representatives involved in the deployment of the network. The 2,100+ members can:
- share their experiences with WiFi4EU
- suggest technical solutions and ideas on how to implement WiFi4EU networks
- help to solve problems related to the WiFi4EU programme
- share best practices and engage with municipalities from all around Europe