MILLICENT’S long-awaited free township WiFi installation is now complete and should be operational within a month.
In all, Wattle Range Council has devoted $75,000 to the state-of-the-art technology at Millicent, Beachport and Penola.
Numerous pieces of telecommunications hardware have been placed on power and light poles in recent weeks across Millicent.
Acting chief executive Paul Duka said the WiFi would be another incentive for tourists to stop in the towns and patronise local businesses.
Mr Duka said Millicent, Beachport and Penola would be well placed as more visitors were anticipated as COVID-19 travel restrictions are eased.
He said the general release to the public would occur once the background administration had been set up and this is potentially towards the end of July.
“WiFi will be available in the Millicent CBD, Domain precinct and will reach right down to the Millicent Swimming Lake,” Mr Duka said.
“The Beachport township WiFi installation is nearing completion and the Penola township WiFi is just starting and should be ready by September.
“Aussie Broadband is the internet provider and Green Triangle Electronics is installing the equipment,” Mr Duka said.
Council already provides free WiFi at the Millicent Public Library and the Millicent Visitor Information Centre and a number of Millicent CBD businesses do likewise.
Acky’s Deli proprietor Mark Pilmore has welcomed the move by the council.
“It is money well spent,” Mr Pilmore said.
“Around 30pc of our trade are tourists and we are asked about the availability of free WiFi every day.
The George Street businessman said he knew of at least one business in Millicent where free WiFi was available without the need for a password.
Rendelsham resident Emma Elton visits Millicent at least once a week and said the free facility would supplement her data allocation.
“I will definitely use it when I am here,” she said.
“I believe it will be used by the tourists as well.”
The 18 year old regularly uses the internet for social media and video streaming content.
