Newcastle is now switched on with the initial launch of a free Wi-Fi network in the city's east end along Wharf Road, Watt Street, and Shortland Esplanade.
The initiative is part of Newcastle Council's Smart City program that has been designed to increase connectivity and information sharing between businesses, the community, and the digital world.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes joined the program's coordinator Nathaniel Bavington at this mornings switch on to explain the free network and the future of Newcastle as a Smart City.
"Whether it be for business or leisure, cities the world over are now embracing the ability to offer affordable and accessible internet to residents and visitors so that they can be connected anytime, anywhere," Lord Mayor Nelmes said.
"This is one of many actions contained within our Smart City Strategy that we've invested in, alongside energy-efficient solar projects, electric-vehicle charging stations, driverless vehicle technology, and bike-sharing initiatives.
"This is the first step in our staged roll-out of free Wi-Fi, which will eventually see the whole city connected as well as Beresfield and Wallsend local centres. Today it's Newcastle East, but we're working hard to make sure our new CBD in the West End and areas around Wickham quickly follow. Plans are well and truly advanced for these areas and we hope to make more announcements soon."
The free Wi-Fi service will enable users to log in for 3-hours over a 24-hour period, or equivalently use up to 700 megabytes in data.
The free network will be listed as 'City of Newcastle free Wi-Fi' in your network settings and needs no password.
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| Smart City Coordinator Nathaniel Bavington (L) and Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes (R). |
