Work to get Framlingham connected starts, as the historic and picturesque town has been chosen to pilot a hi-tech new scheme to help people access the internet and make use of digital technology.

The ‘Framlingham Digital Towns Pilot’ is the first project to go ahead in the scheme in a partnership led by Framlingham Town Council, Framlingham Business Association and East Suffolk Council.

This will make Framlingham the first of what could be a long line of towns in East Suffolk to receive free wifi, along with a whole host of other digital and technological solutions. 

Cllr Phil Collins, Framlingham Town Council Chairman, said:

“As a Council we are delighted to be part of this initiative. We are looking forward to the benefits free WiFi will bring to the town. Residents, visitors and businesses will all see the advantages of the a scheme that covers a large part of the town centre.”

Victoria Perkins, Chairwoman at the Framlingham Business Association, said:

“We’re looking forward to launching the Free Fram WiFi and other digital initiatives. This opportunity will encourage visitors to stay longer and explore everything Framlingham has to offer, which will benefit the businesses and our beautiful town in many ways.”

Cllr Stephen Burroughes, East Suffolk Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Operational Partnerships, said:

“This initiative is the start of a digital revolution in East Suffolk. It will put Framlingham firmly on the map and hopefully be rolled out across other market towns in the District.

The concept is very simple; take a small rural town in the heart of East Suffolk and explore what is possible in terms of using digital and other technology to help the town and its communities thrive.

Work has now started to install the necessary equipment which will enable us to deliver the initiative. Once the work is completed, we will undergo a period of testing before going live later this summer.”

Dan Coombs, Regional Sales Director at ElephantWiFi, said:

“ElephantWiFi were really pleased to receive the invite to quote and design a free public access solution for Framlingham Town Council which will help the local people gain internet access whilst visiting the town.

ElephantWiFI started in business to help small towns keep up with technology and provide sophisticated yet affordable solutions and we are very proud to be working alongside Framlingham Town Council.

Framlingham Town Council, Framlingham Business Association and East Suffolk Council have shown a great deal of insight and forward thinking in the way they have approached this project and we are really looking forward to seeing what the results of the pilot are.

Framlingham is a small but very vibrant town that has very little 3G or 4G capability at present so we believe the WiFi will be a real boost to locals and visitors alike.”