BT has won the first concession to provide free public wi-fi in Glasgow.

It is the first city in Scotland to award a wireless concession which will make free public wi-fi available in the city's streets and public spaces.

BT is working to deliver the infrastructure for the first phase of the Urban Wireless programme ahead of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The wireless concession enables BT to deliver a variety of wireless technologies and enhance current and future wireless and mobile coverage within Glasgow, including 3G and 4G.

Glasgow's wireless delivery is based on a concession model which means that access to the wireless network comes through the lease of council-owned street furniture and property, with the council providing a licence to allow a network operator to build a wireless network.

BT is installing between 50-80 wireless access points installed around high footfall areas and transport hubs around the city centre and parts of the East End to provide free public wi-fi internet access being available in the city's streets and public spaces.

Meanwhile, in a separate project, community centres in Glasgow will offer free wi-fi to their users later this year after another agreement between the council and BT.

More than 30 community centres and public halls in the city, operated by Glasgow Life, will later this year offer free wi-fi to users of the centres during opening hours.

Free wi-fi will improve on people's experience of living in, working in or visiting Glasgow by enabling them to access information on the council's online services as well as tourism and events, jobs, local businesses and services.

As with the Urban Wireless programme, the wi-fi provision at the city's community centres will feature free access to the network for the first six months and after this period there will be free access for 30 minutes per day per handset. Access to some sites, including Glasgow City Council's website www.glasgow.gov.uk will remain free permanently.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This is yet more fantastic news for Glasgow, this time for users of community centres across the city. My administration is committed to extending a network of free wi-fi in the city, making Glasgow even more digitally literate and connected.

"This will help to bring free wi-fi access to communities throughout the city. Free wi-fi offers fantastic social, educational and economic opportunities, and providing this in our community centres means everyone in Glasgow will have the chance to take advantage of these benefits.These networks will play a key role in Glasgow's transition to becoming a digitally-connected smart city with all the economic and social benefits it brings."

BT Scotland director Brendan Dick said: "BT is delighted to have been awarded the contracts by Glasgow City Council to build both wireless networks. 2014 is a big year for Scotland's largest city and these awards are testament to both the quality of BT's offer and recognition of BT's capability to deliver and run services that are critical to how Glasgow is perceived locally, nationally and globally.

"The massive rise in the use of smartphones and tablets means that people want to get online wherever they are. BT has a proven track record of delivering large-scale, reliable communication services and we're delighted to be playing a major role in improving online access throughout the city."

Glasgow Life will use this new infrastructure to create new community wi-fi hubs to create effective, joined-up support, advice and learning services across the city. It will support specific groups including those who are more likely to be offline.

This partnership means individuals, whatever their age, background or current situation people can be supported to make the best use of the digital technologies available.

Whether learning to use Twitter or Skype to connect with friends and relatives or improving skills or managing welfare benefit online, the wi-fi hubs will provide positive opportunities for both individuals and communities.