8 September 2011

Auckland launches Wi-Fi world first

The world’s first fully integrated metropolitan Wi-Fi system, including free roaming Wi-Fi access across the central city and on public transport, has gone live in Auckland.

The city Wi-Fi network extends across all Link buses and some trains, with the announcement that Auckland Transport has joined the network with Auckland Council and Wi-Fi supplier Tomizone.

Internet on the Auckland Wi-Fi network, provided free to users due to sponsorship from Localist, has already seen strong support from Aucklanders and visitors with heavy usage in its first week of operation.

“This is a global blueprint for how a sustainable Wi-Fi network can benefit residents and visitors – even while travelling on public transport,” says Len Brown. “I’m encouraged by the number of people already using a network built by Aucklanders in under six weeks in time for Rugby World Cup.”

The Wi-Fi service is available on all new Link buses and selected trains. Over time, Aucklanders can expect to see the service expanding across the transport system and across the city.

“Being able to access the internet via this new Wi-Fi service means our customers and our visitors to the city can make more effective use of their commute time,” says Mark Lambert, Auckland Transport’s Public Transport Operations Manager.

“Auckland Transport will evaluate the success of the Wi-Fi service prior to making it more widely available across the public transport network,” says Mr Lambert.

“Auckland is now home to the best integrated Wi-Fi network across a city anywhere in the world and it’s something our team are very proud to have delivered in such a short time,” says Tomizone Executive Director Steve Simms.

Ends

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