HULL'S famous cream phone boxes are being transformed into wi-fi hotspots for shoppers, workers and visitors to the city.
Communications firm KC is giving its distinctive phone boxes a new lease of life to provide high-speed internet access.
KC began deploying wi-fi in the city centre last month and has already installed access points in the area bounded by Ferensway, Freetown Way, Castle Street and the River Hull.
It means key shopping streets including Whitefriargate, Jameson Street, King Edward Street and Prospect Street all have coverage.
Business and consumer director Gary Young said: "Where we can, we're using our phone boxes as wi-fi access points.
"They're an important part of our heritage and it's great we can make them more relevant to modern life."
Free wireless internet is also available in popular leisure areas including Princes Dock Street, Silver Street and Trinity House Lane.
Mr Young said: "The growing use of smartphones and tablets means more people want access to the internet while they're on the move and the wi-fi we installed at St Stephen's last year has been extremely popular.
"Our installation of wi-fi is intended to create a more connected city beyond the home and the workplace.
"It's a significant investment in a service we know our customers and other people using the city centre will find useful."
KC will continue to roll out wi-fi across Hull and East Yorkshire this summer.
Anyone can use the service by searching for wireless networks and selecting kc-wifi.
They will need to register their details the first time they use the service. After that their device will be automatically recognised.
Councillor Steven Bayes, portfolio holder for economic regeneration and employment at Hull City Council, has welcomed the development.
He said: "The installation of wi-fi to key areas of the city centre is welcome news for our residents and visitors.
"As we continue with our City of Culture 2017 bid alongside our City Plan, which aims to rejuvenate and attract inward investment and increase visitors to Hull over the next decade, projects such as this add real value to our ambitions to become a world-class destination.
"Wi-fi hotspots will help give residents, visitors and businesses a quality experience during their time in the city centre as they will be able to access instant information about the top attractions at their fingertips."
KC is also developing a solution for businesses wanting to offer wi-fi in their premises.
Email kcbusiness@kcom.com for more information.
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