The City of Edinburgh Council signed a 10-year concession contract earlier this year with intechnologyWiFi to deliver wifi coverage and improved mobile reception to the city centre.

The network has been launched to coincide with Edinburgh’s festive events which attract almost a million people.

“The WiFi network is central to the council’s plans for growing the city economy and encouraging residents and visitors to stay longer and increase their spend,” said the council.

“Users of the service will also benefit from savings to their mobile data plans by being able to access the outdoor internet at no cost and without restrictions on time.”

The couldil said YouGov research revealed that nearly 43% of Britons are frustrated by the lack of free, public wifi networks available across the UK, while about one in four people (24%) would be more likely to stay longer in a town or city centre with access to free wifi.

UK Minister of State for Digital and Culture Matt Hancock, said: “Our Super Connected Cities programme delivered a tremendous boost to connectivity to cities all around the UK, and Edinburgh is a brilliant example of this.

“The city’s free, time unlimited wifi offer that is a result of our programme is fantastic news for residents and tourists alike, and all part of our work on making sure Britain remains a digital world leader.”

The launch of the wifi network is the final project of the council’s Connected Capital Programme, which aims to make Edinburgh one of the best-connected cities in Britain.

Residents and visitors to the Edinburgh area already have free wifi on all trams and Lothian Buses.

The Connected Capital programme has been funded by the UK Government as part of its Super Connected Cities £150 million programme, which has seen more than £5 million awarded to Edinburgh.