Free wi-fi planned for Birmingham city centre
Free wi-fi could be offered in parts of Birmingham city centre under plans to improve mobile broadband coverage.
Victoria Square and New Street are among the areas earmarked for initial roll-out if plans are approved.
The public would be able to access the new wi-fi at the city's Moor Street, High Street, St Philip's Cathedral and the new library.
A single wholesale broadband provider would be required to offer the free wi-fi service.
Awarding the contract to allow the use of street furniture to improve mobile network capacity would net the Labour-led local authority additional revenue.
Councillor James McKay, cabinet member for a green, safe and smart city, said growth in the use of smartphones and tablets was "driving significant increases in the volume of data across mobile networks".
"Offering free wi-fi in the city centre will help us bridge the digital divide, enabling more people to get online, while supporting economic growth and inward investment as Birmingham becomes a better place to do business," Mr McKay said.
The council's cabinet will discuss the plans on 15 July.