VISITORS to city community centres and public halls will enjoy free WiFi from later this year.

The move comes just weeks after Glasgow City Council agreed that up to 80 wireless access points should be installed around busy areas in the city centre and the East End ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

That will allow people to access the internet wherever they are in the areas.

The new round of free WiFi will benefit 31 community centres and public halls operated by Glasgow Life.

It will result in free access to the Internet for the first six months but will then be limited to 30 minutes free a day.

City council leader Gordon Matheson 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 WiFi in the city, making Glasgow even more digitally literate and connected.

"This will help to bring free WiFi access to communities throughout the city.

"Free WiFi 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."

Brendan Dick, director, BT Scotland, said: "We're very proud to be working with Glasgow City Council to develop even more WiFi access in the city, this time in community centres.

"The massive rise in the use of smartphones and tablets means 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 plans to set up new hubs in community centres which will help people learn how WiFi can benefit them.

That could be learning how to use Twitter or Skype to talk to friends or relatives or managing their welfare benefits online.

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk