The UK is the place to be when it comes to experimental connectivity option. The latest news is that Virgin just deployed their first Smart Wi-Fi Pavement in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. The new public W-Fi system is hidden from view and is really just a cool name to manholes converted to hotspots.
The company explained that the hotspots are placed underneath "a specially developed resin cover" that will protect it from rain water. They went further and said that the smart manholes are "rainproof access points use a mixture of the latest tech including fiber optic cabling and superior DOCSIS 3 technology."
BGR reported that Smart Wi-Fi Pavement will be available to people and businesses in downtown Chesham. The network is capable of delivering a top speed of up to 166Mbps. Of course, it is doubtful that this speed will be available regularly especially if the service becomes popular. According to Virgin, each hotspots is able to generate signals for up to 80 meters. If this is true, then Chesham locals can expect a consistent and strong connection 24/7, The Telegraph reported.
Specially designed antennas, together with the resin cover, are able to deliver Wi-Fi signals that a cast-iron manhole would normally block. More details are yet to be shared by Virgin but it would seem that a single smart pavement is being used for now, in the center of town. Coverage is maintained by Wi-Fi routers hidden in "discreet street furniture" and in the company's above-ground cabinets, Ars Technica reported.
Anyone passing through Chesham, home to a population of 21,000, will be able to connect via the "Virgin Media WiFi" hotspot. In addition to that, "Virgin Media mobile customers with an Android device will be able access it seamlessly through the Virgin Media WiFi Buddy app."
More word on the next towns and cities that will have Smart Wi-Fi Pavement is still being eagerly awaited.
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