THERE can be no excuse for the mistakes of the past.

That is what the council’s cabinet is expected to hear today, when it meets to discuss a deal offering salvation from Swindon’s wi-fi woes.

Despite the fanfare surrounding the announcement that super-fast next generation internet coverage is on the way for the town, revealed last week by the Adver, critics still believe that we must not forget the errors of the last two years.

UK Broadband is expected to enter an agreement with the council and Capita, to offer 4G ultra-quick wireless internet access to the town.

Nicholas James, CEO of UK Broadband, is expected to explain how the scheme will work at the meeting, at 4pm in the Civic Offices, Euclid Street.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We’re delighted to be in discussions with Swindon to provide the first hybrid wireless network in the UK that includes 4G LTE. The hybrid network combines a high-speed wireless fixed link network with a 4G LTE high-speed mobile data network.

“This means that high speed, reliable, fixed and mobile data services that offer a range of benefits for the public sector, businesses, and consumers would be available across Swindon during next year.”

The council is expected to make money on the deal, without putting any investment capital in upfront.

But unlike the council’s previous plan, the internet access will not be free, at least at first.

Deputy leader Garry Perkins (Con, Shaw and Nine Elms), a director of Digital City, said this scheme will be led by Capita, not town hall.

“Capita have the reins,” he said. “Even if the project has been agreed between Swindon Council and UK Broadband, it’ll be managed by Capita. My role will be no more than scrutiny, when the council scrutinises and monitors the Capita project.”

IT consultant Chris Watts, 44, of Dunsford Close, said the project seems much more sensible than the council’s shaky arrangement with Digital City to deliver borough-wide fast internet access.

That deal cost the council around £400,000 in a loan which turned out to be unrepayable.

Mr Watts, who is also a member of the Labour party, said: “I think this deal should be led by different people because of how badly it was handled with the running of Digital City.

“But it’s the suggestion that any dividends the council are going to make will make up for the £400,000. They’re not getting the money back. That’s lost.”