Residents, businesses and visitors in Geelong now have access to world-class free public WiFi, enhanced broadband and a 'smarter city' through an initiative to improve regional connectivity.
The City of Greater Geelong received a $1.8 million Victorian Government grant through the Connecting Regional Communities Program to make fast, free public WiFi and enhanced broadband available in Central Geelong, Norlane and Corio.
The City of Greater Geelong has worked with telecommunications providers ENE.Hub, AArnet, Superloop and Swoop Broadband to deliver the project, which has installed 19 WiFi smart poles in key business, tourism, recreation and cultural precincts in Geelong and the northern suburbs.
Construction of these smart poles is complete and WiFi is now available at 26 locations in greater Geelong.
The smart poles provide free WiFi, which helps to bridge the digital gap by ensuring everyone in Geelong has access to free internet and the benefits it provides. It will also help to capture new tourism opportunities, giving visitors access to real-time information including timetables or local history, restaurants and accommodation.
The new infrastructure includes LED lighting, wireless charging outlets, a public address system, electric vehicle chargers, CCTV and motion sensors, which will enable the City of Greater Geelong to adopt 'smart city' features in its operations and services.
The enhanced broadband network delivers 22 kilometres of fibre to provide faster broadband for local businesses and residents in North Geelong.
Free public WiFi is also available in Ballarat, Bendigo, the Latrobe Valley, the Melbourne CBD and Shepparton, and work is underway to deliver a free WiFi network in Ararat.
To keep up to date with upcoming projects, visit Connecting Victoria.
