Council shouts WiFi

OAMARU

FREE public WiFi has launched in three towns across Waitaki, and more locations are set to join soon.

The Waitaki District Council activated the new amenity in Palmerston, Omarama and Oamaru late last month.

Waitaki Mayor Gary Kircher said the council was keen to expand the service to key locations throughout the district but would determine where during annual plan discussions.

The project was passed in September with the intention of providing connectivity to residents and key information to visitors to the area.

Users logged into the ‘‘Waitaki Wifi’’ network would also be taken to a home page that would help promote the region.

Mr Kircher said the central service provided an important digital amenity for the community, especially to those affected by the digital divide who otherwise could not afford internet at home.

Though the amenity could not reach private households, it would help provide ‘‘equal access to the internet’’.