Free Wi-Fi switched on at popular Mildura sites
Published on 31 July 2017
Locals and visitors to Mildura can now enjoy free Wi-Fi in some of our most popular public places.
Mildura Rural City Council and Telstra have partnered up to connect 12 Telstra Air hotspots in the city heart and along the Mildura riverfront.
Anyone can use their Wi-Fi enabled device such as a mobile phone or tablet to access this free internet service which covers:
- Langtree Mall (not inside stores)
- Langtree Avenue dining precinct aka Feast Street (not inside venues)
- Pedestrian connection between Langtree Avenue and the riverfront
- Riverfront promenade and parklands between Jaycee Park and Nowingi Place.
Tourism and Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Mark Eckel said the introduction of this free service is an exciting addition to the city and will benefit locals, visitors and businesses alike.
“From a tourism and local amenity perspective, experiences from around the world show the introduction of free Wi-Fi brings many benefits beyond sheer convenience,” Cr Eckel said.
“Research shows that free Wi-Fi encourages consumers to stay longer and spend more.
“We live in an increasingly digital world and community connectivity is an expectation. As tourists, we want to be able to connect easily and for free from wherever we are.
“With well over half the world owning a smartphone, every urban dweller wants to know they’ll be able to get the content and functionality they want from their smartphone wherever they are.
“For our retail outlets and hospitality sector, a convenient, free service like this will only encourage visitors and locals to find out more about the products and services they have to offer while out and about in our city.”
According to Telstra, Australians are getting savvier at seeking out Wi-Fi hotspots to avoid tapping into their mobile data. Usage on the Telstra Air network has more than doubled in the past year, so it is hoped the new hotspots in Mildura will be well-received by locals and visitors alike.
Steve Tinker, Telstra Area General Manager, said the partnership with Council formed part of Telstra's plan to bring world class connectivity to the places people live and work through the rapid expansion of its Telstra Air Wi-Fi network.
"12 additional Wi-Fi hotspots leveraging Telstra's fibre network have been constructed around Mildura in partnership with Mildura Rural City Council. This free service will provide locals with extensive Wi-Fi coverage in Mildura, Hotspots will be located at Telstra payphone sites, council parks and playgrounds as well as civic spaces.
"Customers who have already joined Telstra Air will be able to connect at hotspots with no time restrictions.
"That means anyone using our network will be able to stream standard definition YouTube video content or music or spend time sending email and keeping track of social media accounts all for free."
Mr Tinker said the project was another example of Telstra partnering with local governments to deliver innovative programs and expand services.
"The availability of Wi-Fi means locals and tourists can connect and share experiences online as well as allowing businesses to benefit by attracting and retaining visitors to their locations."
Mildura Rural City Council also provides free public Wi-Fi at local libraries, the Mildura Arts Centre and Ouyen Council Service Centre.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au