FREE Wi-Fi hotspots at key tourism locations across the city could be installed as soon as February if a proposal is endorsed by Mount Gambier City Council.
The initial roll-out of digital infrastructure would allow tourists to upload holiday snaps to social media in real time and access smart phone tourism apps at the Blue Lake, Umpherston Sinkhole and The Rail precinct.
The proposed action – which forms part of council’s broader Connected City Digital Strategy – was moved by council’s strategic standing committee this week and will be tabled for discussion at next week’s full council meeting.
“Council’s digital strategy and action plan recommends the roll-out of Wi-Fi hotspots to areas of value for visitors as a priority,” council chief executive Mark McShane said.
“Supplying digital infrastructure and connectivity to three high-profile tourism locations is the first step in creating a Wi-Fi footprint throughout the city.”
If endorsed, the infrastructure will be installed by local information technology business TDRS.
“Following a tender process, TDRS provided a quotation under the $45,000 amount included in the 2016/17 budget for the installation of public Wi-Fi,” Mr McShane said.
“TDRS has highlighted their system provides capacity for expansion, software for live data analysis, user filtering and ongoing systems management.
“If council engage TDRS the expected delivery time is approximately 10 weeks from the placement of the order.”
Installation will cost $30,000 with an ongoing operating cost estimated at $12,000 per year.
Visiting the Umpherston Sinkhole during his stay in the region, Adelaide resident Duane Ferguson welcomed a potential Wi-Fi hotspot at the site.
“I definitely think this is an area where tourists would appreciate free Wi-Fi access,” he said.
“I’m sure international visitors would like to be able to send a Snapchat message or upload a photograph to Instagram here – it’s certainly picturesque.
“Access to Wi-Fi is fairly essential for overseas travellers to stay connected and keep in touch with family at home – to have free Wi-Fi at any tourist spot is really convenient.”
