FREE Public Internet Access

THIS BLOG IS ABOUT FREE Public Internet Access in the UK

It really does NOT exist; for example using the Wifi connection at the British Library costs £4;50 per hour (as at February 2006). BT payphones with Internet touch screens cost a minimum of £1 for a short undetermined period.
Yes Internet access in city libraries does exist however it is limited to opening times, booked usage times, and the ability to use it.

Other methods are Internet Cafes and home PC use, and the burgeoning WiFi services from city authorities.

What if you cant afford it i.e. paying for usage; a broadband connection a PC and importantly the skills to upkeep your hardware, your files and to have the ability to seek and locate your requirements ? And these skills are required as the Internet has been constructed for users who know how to use it. And governments, city councils and other agencies that want to interact with citizens are putting huge resources into websites to reach citizens, yet finding this spending is not really reaching those in need or even interesting those that can access them.

If you have some areas lacking; then maybe you are on the wrong side of the so called 'Digital Divide'

Whole nations are; and major segments of the 'developed world like the UK have populations unable or choosing not to engage with digital services.

The answer is cohesive digital inclusion; FREE access services available to all, and this means not just the physical availability but also the simplification of these services to an extent were anyone irrespective of computer skills can utilise them.

Access alone will not solve these issues, and having to pay for access makes it worse; fees act as an entrance barrier, masking also the underlying problem of usability.