Wireless Wanganui - 25/10/2012

From the end of November people in Wanganui’s urban area will have the opportunity to access free digital services via a wireless network.

The network will use the existing Wanganui District Council wireless network infrastructure and will be operated in partnership with a private telecommunications operator.

“Providing a free, easily accessible wireless network for our whole community is something the Wanganui Digital Leaders Forum has been working on for some time,” says Mayor Annette Main.

“We currently offer free wireless access at the riverfront and in our libraries. The network will ensure that everyone can have access to the internet for free if they have a mobile device and it is part of our vision of 100% connectivity. The wireless network is also being extended out to parts of our rural communities.

“As far as we know we will be the first city in the country to provide a free service to everyone. We know this will also appeal to our visitors who are increasingly using this technology to access information and to broadcast their experiences across the world.

“Wanganui has recently been named as one of 21 International Intelligent Communities for 2013 and initiatives such as offering a free wireless network are just one of many examples which show why we were short-listed.

“Having a wireless network, alongside our growing ultrafast broadband network, will ensure that everyone can be part of the digital world, regardless of cost and location.

“Wanganui is a great place to live and work and with every new digital initiative it is getting better and better.”