Major expansion of city Wi-Fi proposed

Proposals to expand the coverage and services of Wi-Fi in the city are being referred to the new Auckland Council.

A low-cost model for comprehensive expansion has been developed by Auckland City Council and could be in place in time for Rugby World Cup visitors.

The model envisages a partnership with a network provider and a retail service provider to extend wireless broadband services in key zones across the city on a casual pay as you go basis.

The proposal would achieve coverage in 732 sites in 62 locations compared to the 150 nodes currently in place.

Current zones covered are Viaduct Basin, Westhaven, Aotea Square, Karangahape Road, Ponsonby Road, Parnell Rise, Newmarket, Remuera Road and Albert Park. Services are also delivered in cafes and restaurants within these zones.

The current tariffs are:

Hourly - $3 per hour for up to 60 megabytes
Daily - $6.50 per day for 160 megabytes
Weekly - $30 per week for 1.2 gigabytes.

A report to the city council’s City Development Committee, which approved the proposal in principle, said the tariffs compared favourably with hotels and serviced apartments (average $29 per day) and expensive cellular network services. Significant revenue streams would offset costs over time.

“The potential benefits for the city, visitors and businesses are enormous,” said Councillor Aaron Bhatnagar, committee chairperson. “They could contribute significantly to economic growth and help establish the region as a major events destination.”

With the council’s current service, all revenue flows to private sector partners. Under the proposed expanded service, council will look to develop a profit sharing arrangement with a retail partner.

The committee agreed to provide a detailed business case and funding model to the Auckland Council for approval and to instigate a formal tender process.

ENDS

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