Vanessa Rauland and Portia Odell use the Wi-Fi at Kings Square in |Fremantle.
Camera IconVanessa Rauland and Portia Odell use the Wi-Fi at Kings Square in |Fremantle. Credit: Supplied/Matt Jelonek

Telstra eyes next Wi-Fi hotspot

Staff ReporterFremantle Gazette

If the Wi-Fi hotspots in the Hay Street Mall, Murray Street and Northbridge are deemed a success, the roll-out could be extended to Fremantle, with Telstra earmarking it as a possible site because of its popularity as a community and tourism destination.

A Telstra spokesman said Fremantle was a part of the company’s future Wi-Fi plans.

‘Fremantle is a vibrant cultural centre important for Western Australians and tourists alike,’ he said.

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‘We want Australia to be a truly connected country and as part of our plan, we are keen to work in partnership with local councils and enterprises to grow our Wi-Fi network in Australia’s largest cities and regional centres.’

City of Fremantle economic development and marketing manager Tom Griffith said the city already provided Wi-Fi services, including the free Fre-bytes service.

‘The City records the number of users (by location) of the Fre-bytes service each week and while the numbers vary depending on the time of year and the weather, roughly 1500 to 1700 people per week access the service in one of the above locations,’ he said.

‘You will often see visitors at the tables in Kings Square with their laptop or tablet using the Wi-Fi service to keep in touch with family and friends.

‘We’ve had free Wi-Fi in Fremantle for some time already that covers the key tourist areas, however if the initiative by Telstra could improve or increase this coverage, we would definitely be open to the idea.

‘The key here is ensuring as much of the city is connected as possible.’