Westminster City Council has teamed up with BT to offer a free Wi-Fi-based information service to residents and visitors in the area that includes many of London's most popular tourist attractions.

Called BT MyPlace, the "pocket concierge" is available from any wireless device using the BT Openzone Wi-Fi network in central London and the West End. Users can be sent recommendations on restaurants or places to visit based on their personal preferences and current location, plus local travel information.

The six-month trial starts today, and also involves suppliers Intel and Cisco.

"Westminster City Council is committed to supporting residents and businesses in central London and this is an example of how new technology can help during the difficult economic climate," said council leader Colin Barrow.

"This service will not only help people find their way around our city, but direct them towards local businesses that they otherwise would not have known about. We are taking some important steps towards becoming the best managed city in the world in time for 2012 and this joint project with BT is further evidence to support this goal."

Location-based services are an emerging application of technology for firms hoping to tap into the growing mobile data market. For example, Lastminute.com recently launched an application designed for the T-Mobile G1 Android-based phone, which uses the device's in-built GPS and compass to suggest places to visit nearby and direct users to the location.

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