Visitors to Dunedin will soon have a high-speed reason to sing the praises of the southern city.
A free gigabit-speed WiFi network is being installed in the Octagon, offering ultra-fast browsing for users on their mobile devices and laptops.
City Councilor Andrew Whiley is part of the Digital Community Trust, and expects the new service to be popular with tourists including cruise ship visitors, as well as locals and students.
"What I expect to see is people Skyping all over the world as they visit Dunedin, while sitting in the Octagon," he says. "I think you'll also see a lot of people just taking time out and watching online content, maybe their favourite TV show".
The free public WiFi service is aimed at promoting Dunedin as a "Gig City". It was named New Zealand's first "Gigatown" last November, after winning a nationwide competition promoted by network company Chorus.
Independent speed results from online testing agency Ookla have revealed Dunedin now has the fastest average broadband speed in Australasia, and the second fastest speed among the world’s wealthiest cities.
Access points have been fitted around the Octagon to try and provide even coverage across the high traffic area.
And Mr Whiley says businesses and homes are taking advantage of the rollout of gigabit fibre connections around the city.
"When I talk to businesses that are going to grow because of it," he says. "A business that used to take eight hours to do something can now do it in five minutes. The uptake is going to be great for the city, for homes, and for families."
The public system was given a strength test at lunchtime today, with members and friends of the Digital Trust surfing websites and online videos to see how the technology coped with a large number of users.
Those logging into the network will be directed to the city's official website, which promotes local attractions and events, along with places to eat and shop.
It'll be free to use for both locals and visitors, although some site filters and download limits will be put in place so that users can't abuse the system or use it for illegal activities.
Dunedin City Council Governance Manager Sandy Graham says a donation from Chorus paid for 90 percent of the $11,000 upgrade of the Octagon WiFi network. It's expected to cost around $18,000 a year to operate - $10,000 more than the existing public service.
The network is due to be officially launched next week.
3 News
