Some cities are opting for wireless by providing Wi-Fi in a few public areas, but Westminster thinks bigger than that. Its ambitious Wireless City Project was launched in April 2004 and was envisioned from the start as a model for other cities to follow, not only bringing wireless across the heart of London, but also demonstrating how widespread Internet access can help residents and tourists alike.

The plan includes several benefits to city services, such as CCTV coverage that aims to reduce crime and noise, street monitoring to detect suspicious activity and watch for parking problems and increased access for remotely-working health officers and social workers.

Of course, an area-wide Wi-Fi network is also a boon for visitors who can tap into that steady broadband stream to send emails, download files and access corporate networks. Based on the BT Openzone Wi-Fi network infrastructure, for those using iPass, they can surf and work with the knowledge that their files, access and activities are secure.

The city will initially bring wireless to the central business and government area, with plans to roll it out to more residential areas before long. That means that iPass users will be able to access Wi-Fi from wherever business or tourism might take them in the city's environs. Given how much the area—a borough with city status, located within central London—has to offer, city-wide access will be just what visitors who want to do business in the midst of shopping and sightseeing are looking for.

Westminster covers some of the best known areas of London, including the West End, Hyde Park, Covent Garden, Soho, Chinatown, Pimlico, Mayfair and Knightsbridge. Paddington Station, which is the first port of call for many travelers arriving by train from Heathrow Airport to central London, is a gateway to England's West Country and Wales. It is also a major London Underground interchange and sits firmly within Westminster.

Searching for well-known tourist destinations? Just look them up when you hit the town: the city has prestigious landmarks like Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. Shopping is also just steps away on Oxford, Regent and Bond Streets.

London's Westminster is a major spot for commuters, tourists, businesspeople and residents. No matter which category you might fit, iPass is there to help you connect and take advantage of one of the UK's most ambitious city wireless projects ever created.

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