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A $4.8 million upgrade of Adelaide’s infamously slow free Wi-Fi network is now up and running, with the Lord Mayor promising it will be “far superior to the old system”.
The federal government and Adelaide City Council said that the new free Wi-Fi service, “ADL Free powered by TPG Telecom”, is available to the public across the CBD, park lands and North Adelaide.
The new network has 25 per cent more access points than the old network and uses high speed fibre optics, the council said. The system went live last month and has since undergone testing to ensure it works before a public announcement, a council spokesperson said.
TPG Telecom was contracted in December 2021 to overhaul Adelaide’s free Wi-Fi network, which was previously provided by Internode (which later became a subsidiary of TPG).
The old network was much maligned for slow speeds and reliability issues. Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith admitted earlier this year that she turns off the free Wi-Fi on her phone because it slows down her mobile roaming.
Dr Lomax-Smith told a launch event last week that the new network would deliver “breathtaking” internet speeds.
“The new free Wi-Fi is utilising the best technology in the country to create a network which is far superior to the old system, that could at times be slow and unreliable,” she said in a statement.
“A free Wi-Fi service will support tourists and international students, who are returning in increasing numbers following the pandemic but in addition will help those struggling with the cost of living or the homeless.
“This urban infrastructure project will position Adelaide as a centre for investment and be available to businesses to leverage the improved download speeds for reliable payment and electronic banking purposes.”
TPG’s network upgrade was supported by $3 million in federal funding and $1.8 million from council.
The money comes from the $699 million Adelaide “City Deal” – a ten-year funding agreement signed in March 2019 between all three levels of government.
The City Deal is also the source of funding for projects such as the stalled Aboriginal arts and culture centre on North Terrace.
Adelaide City Council agenda papers from earlier this year said the free Wi-Fi network upgrade would be completed by August.
The new network features 251 “access points” across the CBD, North Adelaide and the park lands.
TPG Telecom group executive Jonathan Rutherford said the new network would provide “free, reliable connectivity from every corner of the city”.
“The ADL Free powered by TPG Telecom Wi-Fi network is the largest of its kind in Australia and underlines the vital role connectivity plays in bringing people, businesses and entertainment precincts together,” he said.
By: Thomas Kelsall
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