Shoppers in Worcester city centre will soon be able to make use of free WiFi access  Credit: David Davies/PA

Worcester City Council is looking for a WiFi provider to offer – at its own expense – free wireless internet connectivity and footfall-monitoring technology across the city centre.

The council has issued a contract notice seeking suppliers interested in rolling out WiFi infrastructure to provide the public with free internet access in Worcester city centre (pictured above), and supporting its operation thereafter. The city is also looking for the same supplier to provide technology that could monitor the volume of visitors to the area.

The chosen bidder “will be responsible for carrying out at its expense all activities and operations necessary”, the council said.

It added: “In the event of any conflict between the council's terms and conditions of contract and the appointed supplier's own terms and conditions of contract, the council's terms and conditions of contract shall prevail.”

Potential suppliers are invited to bid until 4 December, ahead of a three-year contract scheduled to start on 8 January. The city will retain the sole right to extend the engagement for three further one-year terms, the council said.