Free public Wi-Fi in London's core is no more.
Downtown London has decided to scrap the popular program that was used by roughly 1,100 people a day, due to rising costs and unreliable service.
"As a BIA, Downtown London is always focused on the most effective use of dollars to benefit our members and downtown visitors," Downtown London said in a statement. "Renewing licenses for previous generation technology and aging equipment, and which would soon be redundant with an upcoming city project, would not represent a sound investment on behalf of our members."
City council approved a two-year pilot project last month by Rogers Communication to install 5G cellular technology in three areas in London, including the downtown.
"As technology changes at a rapid pace, so does the natural evolution of public Wi-Fi networks. We look forward to working with the team at the city and Rogers to ensure that our downtown district is well served by the new public Wi-Fi offering," said Downtown London.
The original free outdoor WiFi program was put in place by the business group in 2011 and cost $16,000 annually. However, the price tag has steadily increased over the years and would end up costing Downtown London $37,000 this year.
Just under half - 42 per cent - of the people who were using the service were doing so to download videos from YouTube and Netflix.
Free public Wi-Fi will continue to be offered at the Covent Garden Market, the central branch of the London Public Library, and through several downtown businesses.
