A campaign is under way to use the i360 tower to provide free internet access for up to a million people.

Businessman Tony Jones, of the Seven Dials, Brighton, wants the 172m tourist attraction to be used as a major communication hub.

Mr Jones has launched a bid to secure 500 supporters before he contacts developers and planning authorities about his proposals for the tower planned for the former entrance to the West Pier, Brighton.

He says he has the expertise and contacts to take the wi-fi idea further and will create a non-profit organisation to run the enterprise.

Mr Jones, 40, said: "All in Brighton and Hove are going to be blessed, in the not-too-distant future, with the construction of the i360 Tower.

"I don't have an objection to it so long as the tower is built well and sympathetic to its location and surroundings."

"However, what I am aware of is that once this new landmark is built, the city will be overlooked by the i360 and all its visitors.

"My proposal is that in return for allowing the public to look down upon our gardens, terraces, balconies, parks, windows and streets, the tower serves a purpose for us."

He is seeking a free for life, publicly run wireless internet connection that will cover a 30-mile radius including Eastbourne, Crawley and Worthing.

Mr Jones has set up a group on social networking website Facebook to gather support.

He said: "This is a new idea but judging by the reactions I seem to be getting I think it will popular and add a local value to the i360.

"I have the resources to take this further but it will purely be driven by public reaction and support.

"There are a number of places in the world that have public or civic wide wi-max networks, sometimes called 4G networks, and there's no reason why Brighton can't be the same."

A trial is under way in Maidstone, Kent, where 75,000 people and 4,500 people within a 7.5sqkm area are benefiting from Britain's first mobile wi-max network.

Mr Jones added: "I don't think it's a big ask for the developers, planners and construction engineers to include the facility to allow a fibre optic line to the foot of the tower, a cable conduit to the top of the tower, enough space for a switching room and a bracket to attach a transmitter aerial.

"This has the benefit of giving something back to the community and acting as a gift for becoming a new addition to the skyline."

Marks Barfield, the firm behind the i360, declined to comment.

Brighton and Hove City Council is already considering installing a wi-fi network covering central Brighton.

The service would allow everyone from commuters on buses to tourists in city parks to log on to the internet using wireless devices.

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