Free Wi-Fi will be rolled out across the centre of Edinburgh to encourage visitors to stay in the city for longer.

A 10-year concession contract has been agreed between Edinburgh City Council and IntechnologyWiFi.

The programme has received a £5m funding boost from the UK Government as part of its SuperConnected Cities scheme.

It is hoped the scheme will encourage residents and visitors to stay longer, spend more money in the city centre and save cash on their mobile data plans.

The announcement was made as new online YouGov research revealed nearly half (43%) of Britons are frustrated by the lack of free, public WiFi networks available across the UK.

About a quarter of people would be more likely to stay longer in a town or city centre with access to free WiFi, the study found.

The network will be installed at no extra cost to the council and engineers will use street furniture to fit the Wi-Fi equipment and ensure the coverage will be wide-ranging.

The connection will be rolled out in a phased basis over summer and autumn.

Councillor Frank Ross, the local authority's digital champion, said: "This is great news as everyone will be able to get free access to the latest information on their favourite apps and websites while they are out and about.

"It will be particularly beneficial for the millions of residents and visitors who enjoy our festivals each year.

"This project is central to the council's plans for growing the city economy, and encouraging residents and visitors to stay longer and increase their spend."

Natalie Duffield, chief executive of IntechnologyWiFi, said: "The awarding of the contract represents a bold step forward for Edinburgh in meeting the demands of its residents and visitors for 'always on' connectivity.

"In providing seamless, 24/7 internet connectivity to residents and visitors out and about, our network solution will make it second-nature for people in the city to live more connected lives."

UK Government Minister for Scotland Andrew Dunlop said: "This is great news for the people of Edinburgh and the millions who visit the capital every year. I am pleased the UK Government were able to support this through SuperConnected Cities funding.

"World-class connectivity is one of the top priorities of this Government, cementing the UK's position as a leading digital economy and acting as a driver of local jobs."

The launch of the Wi-Fi network is the final step in the council's Connected Capital Programme, which aims to make Edinburgh one of the best-connected cities in Britain.

Free WiFi has already been rolled out on all trams and Lothian Buses, as well as in just under 70 key public buildings.