SHOPPERS are now able to connect to free Wifi when they are browsing in the Hillstreet Shopping Centre.

For the first time people will be able to take advantage of the offer thanks to a deal between NewRiver (CORR) Retail and The Cloud that has opened up the network in its Middlesbrough centre.

Peter Drabble, centre manager, said: “Increasingly, our customers expect to have access to free Wi-Fi when they are out and about to make the most of a multi-channel customer shopping experience.

“We want to ensure we are at the forefront of this as part of our mission to continually improve and enhance customers’ shopping experience. As the community shopping centre, the free unlimited access to The Cloud Wi-Fi will build on our position at the heart of Middlesbrough.”

Roger Matthews, commercial director at The Cloud said “It’s safe to say mobile has become a core part of the shopping experience and this trend will only grow. While the likes of 3G and 4G offer a means to go online, the service can be slow and unreliable – especially at peak times. Shoppers know this and are increasingly looking to Wi-Fi hotspots for fast internet access.”

For more information visit www.thecloud.co.uk