Telecom's free WiFi for Christchurch gets the thumbs up

Telecom's free WiFi for Christchurch gets the thumbs up

Telecom has installed more than 50 free WiFi hotspots across Christchurch so residents can access the internet for free as the city recovers.

Telecom's new WiFi hotspots will allow residents to access mobile data, email and the internet, free of charge, providing they are within range until the end of October.

Sir John Hansen, Chair of the 2011 Red Cross Earthquake Commission, welcomes Telecom's support of the local Christchurch community and says the new free WiFi hotspots will be well received.

"Many people in Christchurch have faced continuing hardship since the February earthquake. Anything that enhances their ability to communicate in these distressing times is vitally important. I endorse Telecom's free WiFi service as it will be of great assistance to our citizens as they try to return to normality," said Sir John Hansen.

Alan Gourdie, CEO Telecom Retail says Telecom will be central to the Christchurch region's technology infrastructure going forward and innovation is key.

"As Christchurch rebuilds, we are now assessing and working towards implementing technologies that will help the region achieve its goals. WiFi hotspots are a cost-effective solution that can assist in supporting mobile networks with mobile data during times of heavy traffic.

"We are closely monitoring the usage and capacity of our mobile sites as people move to new areas in Christchurch, and our new free WiFi hotspots will be monitored in the same way.

"Not only will these WiFi hotspots support our existing infrastructure, it will provide Christchurch residents with additional internet connectivity so they can remain connected and engaged with their communities more easily," said Mr Gourdie.

Telecom's WiFi hotspots have been installed on or near libraries, shopping malls, Telecom payphones and selected outdoor locations in Christchurch. A map of the WiFi hotspots can be found online here: http://www.telecom.co.nz/chch/?wifi

To use Telecom's free WiFi in Christchurch, people can configure their mobile and computing devices by looking for the WiFi address (SSID) 'Telecom Free WiFi'.

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