Deborah James at icLiverpool writes that Liverpool is to become one of the first cities in the UK to get blanket Wi-Fi coverage throughout its city center. Service will be provided by The Cloud and BT, using antennas placed in cafes and shops as well as on lampposts.

Liverpool Chamber of Commerce spokesman Steve Pearse says the deployment could change the way business is conducted in the city.

"In truth, this has to happen to ensure that the city is perceived as a technologically advanced place, and to enable it to take its rightful place on the world stage as being accessible to external visitors," Pearse says.

Ultimately, Pearse says, Liverpool's interest in Wi-Fi is driven by competition. "If we didn't have this system and Manchester did, then possibly people would be more inclined to stay in Manchester, because they would know they would be able to keep in touch with colleagues and do everything they want on the net while they are there," Pearse says.

The network is expected to go live in May.