WiFi use hits record highs in sunny Capital

Wellington’s long spell of golden weather appears to have helped prompt record use of the free wi-fi network in the central city last month.

Users recorded 211,075 sessions on the CBDFree network in March - more than double the 95,120 counted in the CBDFree launch month in September 2011 and up seven percent on the previous high of 196,716 recorded in March 2012.

Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says the great weather in March contributed to encouraging large numbers of people to use their laptops and mobile devices outdoors.

“CBDFree really tells the Wellington story – great access to information, great communication and great business opportunities.”

In March the highest-use areas were Lambton Quay and Courtenay Place. Indoor use in libraries and museums was the next most popular and that is likely to increase with CBDFree recently made available in the City Gallery and the Museum of Wellington City & Sea.

“The continuing growth in CBDFree use 18 months after it was installed shows its value for both our residents and visitors,” Mayor Wade-Brown says. “Our vision of a Smart Capital must start with good infrastructure that creates the best environment for entrepreneurs.”

CBDFree is available in outdoor areas from the Stadium to the Embassy Cinema, encompassing the waterfront, the Golden Mile and Cuba Street.

It was launched in 2011 in a partnership between Wellington City Council and CityLink.

CityLink CEO Nick Willis says: “CBDFree is a great example of what can happen when the Council and business work together. I’m looking forward to its continued expansion both indoors and out, as illustrated by the recent successful extensions into the City Gallery and the Museum of Wellington City & Sea.”

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