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The economy
High speed internet accessIntroduction | Our role | What is Wifi? | The area | Broadband - next steps IntroductionWe have taken our first step in galvanising a new broadband network right across the city and suburbs. We have issued a 'request for information' for a Wi-Fi network for the CBD and CBD fringe, to be built within three years. Our aim is to help facilitate high speed internet access everywhere in Auckland by 2010. If the Wi-Fi network is built, tourists, students, business people, and travellers need only to fire up their laptops in public spaces in downtown Auckland to gain quick access to the internet. Economic development in any city depends upon excellent, high-tech communication. Although New Zealanders are highly technology literate, broadband internet take-up has been slow. Analysts believe this is at least partly due to access to services. We recognize the importance of digital connection to ensure economic growth in Auckland across all sectors. We have resolved to increase access and competition in broadband. Our roleWe will not own the network, but hope to support its establishment. We are in the process of seeking private operators who may be interested in building, owning and operating the Wi-Fi network focused around public, open space in the CBD and CBD fringe. The operators would rent out access to multiple service providers on the network. It is envisaged that any provider on the network would charge for use by consumers, but access to select Auckland City Council websites will be free. In return for a private partner willing to build the network, the council will provide access to suitable physical infrastructure that it owns (such as buildings and streetlight poles) for easy installation of the Wi-Fi gear. The council is also willing to provide promotional support to encourage use. What is WiFi?Wi-Fi is a high-speed wireless broadband network that can be used from laptop computers and many handheld personal digital assistant devices. Wi-Fi provides broadband access to the internet through wireless access points on (for example) telephone poles, or in cafes or buildings. As well as providing private citizens with internet access, Wi-Fi can be utilised for municipal applications such as
Because a Wi-Fi network is decentralised, inexpensive and needs low power, it can back-up traditional phone and other communications systems during a disaster. See more information about technical objectives for a WiFi network in Auckland. The area
The city has learnt from other cities' experiences and has identified the following areas as phase one:
Broadband - next stepsA second proposal for a ring of fibre optic cable to be built around almost all suburbs, is being developed. Soon, we will call for expressions of interest to build the 'urban fibre optic network'. At around 150km in length, the network will provide broadband access to thousands of public and private businesses, and schools and hospitals. The network owner will provide open access to service providers, who will in turn compete to supply services to Aucklanders. Published July 2007 |
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