Internet tycoon plans free wi-fi across Yorkshire’s cities

The multi-millionaire founder of Freeserve is also looking at rolling out wi-fi technology at major sporting grounds around the UK.

The 59-year-old, who lives in North Yorkshire, acquired the assets of a failed Israeli telecommunications business for £6.7m.

He believes that Alvarion’s technology can be used to help urban areas become “smart cities”.

The company’s antennas have been used in Bruges in Belgium to provide free wi-fi services to 10,000 users a day across a densely populated area.

Mr Wilkinson told the Yorkshire Post: “I have seen what they have done in Bruges. Why can’t we do that in Harrogate, York, Scarborough, Filey and Whitby? My dream is to it provide it for free.”

He would install the infrastructure on behalf of local authorities, but own the website landing page and use this to generate a return on his investment.

Mr Wilkinson said he would like to offer the service to residents living in tower blocks to help people save money on landlines.

He said Alvarion’s technology could also be used to open up in-play betting markets inside major football, cricket and rugby league grounds, which currently struggle to cope with large numbers of smartphone users.

Mr Wilkinson has built a fortune worth an estimated £300m by launching, developing and selling a series of profitable technology companies, including Planet Online, Sports Internet and InTechnology.

It was confirmed yesterday that he plans to sell his Harrogate company, InTechnology Managed Services, for £65m. The deal with London-based Redcentric will create an £80m business.

Business Tuesday: Page 1.