18 August 2011

Aucklanders and visitors are to have access to free internet on the expanded Wi-Fi network in Auckland.

Auckland Council and supplier Tomizone have entered into an agreement with Localist.co.nz to sponsor free internet in Auckland Wi-Fi from September 1.

Limited full speed Wi-Fi access will be available free-of-charge on the expanded Auckland Wi-Fi network which was announced in July. Free access will be offered for up to three 30-minute sessions a day per Wi-Fi device.

“Securing sponsorship to provide free Wi-Fi on the expanded Auckland network is great news for both Aucklanders and visitors without putting a financial burden on our ratepayers,” says the Mayor. “It is great that we can offer the expanded service and free access in time for Rugby World Cup.”

Head of Marketing for Localist, Sheryl Nichols, says offering free Wi-Fi to locals, visitors and tourists is a natural extension of Localist’s mission to showcase the best of Auckland.

“Our guidebooks, website and mobile apps are about putting you in touch with local information and providing recommendations on what to do, where to go and which businesses are rated best by Localist users.

“Offering free Wi-Fi is just one more way Localist can help you find what’s good around here,” she said.

“Sponsored free access in Auckland will be the exemplar of how a metropolitan Wi-Fi network can be sustainably deployed,” says Tomizone Executive Director Steve Simms. “Localist is an entirely appropriate sponsor partner and we can now say we are ready for free Wi-Fi on New Zealands largest city Wi-Fi network.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media