High speed internet access
Broadband and economic development |
Key work streams
Key work streams - The CBD and fringe Wi-Fi Project
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a common wireless internet access function that is built into almost all laptops and the majority of smart phones such as the Apple iPhone.
Wi-Fi is another name for IEEE 802.11, a term coined by the Wireless Ethernet Compatibility Alliance (WECA).
Our approach
Our approach was to work with the private sector to facilitate the implementation of fast affordable Wi-Fi services to the CBD and fringe.
This vision was achieved through the formation of a partnership between:
- Auckland City Council
- Kordia - one of New Zealand's leading providers of broadcast and telecommunications networks, and network services
- Tomizone - Australasia's largest provider of Wi-Fi services.
The Auckland City Wi-Fi service is the result of this alliance. This unique business model brings together a depth of proven expertise that delivers the world's best practice Wi-Fi services in a city-wide environment.
The Wi-Fi network enables tourists, students, business people, and residents to simply and affordably access the internet in the most populated spaces of the Auckland CBD and fringe.
The coverage
The Auckland City Wi-Fi service differs from the traditional Wi-Fi hotspot service.
The Auckland city Wi-Fi service is deployed as a "Wi-Fi Zone" providing cocoon like coverage over the target area. This provides coverage that does not rely on a business being open, selling time vouchers or the end user being located within the immediately surrounding Hotspot. Also the focus on deployment in open spaces enables outdoor use and unparalleled accessibility in the open areas of the CBD and fringe.
Currently Auckland Wi-Fi is deployed in the following areas:
- Viaduct
- Westhaven Marina
- K-Road
- Aotea Square
- Ponsonby Road
- Parnell Rise
- Newmarket
- Remuera Road.
Other areas around central Auckland will be deployed over the next twelve months and beyond. The network will expand to include the popular areas within the CBD
and fringe.
How to use it?
Connecting to the Auckland City Wi-Fi zone is simple. Through this service users can access the internet quickly to check the internet, watch video content such as YouTube or communicate with programs such as Skype. Access to Auckland city information is also available free of charge.
Hourly, daily or weekly passes can be purchased at first logon or through an established account with a provider. Once your time has expired or you have reached your data limit, you can simply purchase further time.
Connection is achieved by connecting the Wi-Fi laptop or gadget to the ESSID
"Auckland City Wi-Fi". The device will say "Connected" when this step has been achieved.
Once this is achieved you can open the internet browser on the device and go to any website (such as www.google.com) or the homepage of the device.
A welcome screen will be shown where the user can choose to login or buy time at affordable rates with a credit card.
The instructions on screen are easy to follow and users can be on the internet quickly.
Updated January 2009
