Commission launches WIFI4EU call for municipalities to apply for free Wi-Fi network in public spaces
Tomorrow, the Commission will launch the fourth call for applications for WiFi4EU vouchers to set up free Wi-Fi networks in public spaces, including town halls, public libraries, museums, public parks or squares. It will be open to municipalities or associations of municipalities in all 27 EU Member States and the United Kingdom, as well as Iceland and Norway, for one day and a half – specifically from tomorrow 3 June 2020 at 13.00 CET until 4 June 2020 at 17.00 CET. Municipalities will have the opportunity to apply for 947 vouchers, valued €15,000 each. Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, said: “I am pleased to announce the opening of the call for the fourth and final round of WiFi4EU vouchers. Free connectivity in public spaces across Europe, benefits citizens and tourists alike, while at the same time it is amplifying the positive effects of connected local communities.” Once municipalities have registered on the dedicated WIFI4EU portal, they will be able to apply for a voucher with just one click. The vouchers will be distributed on a first come, first served basis, but in order to ensure the best possible geographical balance, each participating country will be entitled to a minimum of 15 vouchers. The present call for applications marks the fourth and final one for the WiFi4EU programme. Since its launch in 2018, a total of 7,980 vouchers and €120 million in funding have been awarded. Information about the opportunity to participate in the WiFi4EU call as well as local community stories are available on the WIFI4EU page. Further information is available online, in the Questions and Answers and this factsheet, while a map illustrates the number of municipalities throughout Europe who have so far benefited from the scheme.
