This latest phase of the council's digital connectivity programme has delivered the service to all secondary schools – and it will be rolled out to more than 100 council sites in the coming months.

These sites include libraries, leisure centres, community centres and hubs, care homes, retirement housing complexes, parks, town centres and other public-facing buildings.

The free service in schools will help to bridge the digital divide by reducing digital exclusion caused by unequal access to modern technology.

Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: "I am proud to see the positive impact that our Digital Connectivity Programme is already having in communities across the area.

"This initiative is vital in ensuring that our secondary schools and community spaces are equipped with the digital tools needed to support learning, connectivity, and inclusion.

"Enhanced Public Wi-Fi access not only benefits our students and teachers but also strengthens the entire community by allowing everyone to stay connected and engaged in today's digital world."

The public Wi-Fi internet access programme went live in secondary schools before the new term.

The initial feedback from pupils has been overwhelmingly positive, and more than 3000 users have registered from secondary schools in the first two days.

The project is part of a broader campaign to improve digital connectivity across the authority and this latest announcement is seen as a major step forward in supporting the digital needs of students and teachers.

The enhanced connectivity removes any remaining digital barriers from entire classes, ensuring students can participate in online activities simultaneously.