FREE public wifi will be available in a city's streets and public spaces after a wireless concession was awarded to BT.

The 50-80 wireless access points installed in high footfall areas and transport hubs around Glasgow city centre and parts of the east end.

The first phase will be delivered ahead of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the next phase will be rolled out towards early 2015, extending coverage more widely throughout the city.

There will be free 24-hour access to the network for the first six months and then 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.

Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "This is a historic day, a first for any Scottish city and it is great to see Glasgow living up to its innovative tradition."