Hobart Waterfront goes WiFi, WiMAX coming

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 15 December 2009 01:18

Your IT - Home IT

An 18 month trial of public access WiFi services has been launched on the Hobart waterfront using WiFi mesh technology from Ruckus Wireless.

The project, which provides coverage of the Sullivans Cove/Salamanca area, is the brainchild of the Tasmanian Electronic Commerce Centre (TECC) CEO, John McCann, and has been sponsored by the Tasmanian Department of Economic Development and the Arts. It has been installed and will be operated by Tasmanet Pty Ltd, a Tasmanian owned and operated carrier, in partnership with IBM Australia which has supplied the core server infrastructure.

The network provides Internet access at 2Mbps, symmetrical and for direct connections is claimed to offer "wireless bandwidth rates suitable for creative media applications such as video streaming." For Internet access, users can get up to 5Mbytes of download at no charge in any 24 hour period and can pay for additional usage.

McCann said: "The Sullivans Cove/Salamanca waterfront precinct was selected because it provides access to a cross section of many of the community, business, and lifestyle characteristics that exist across several locations around the state as well as being an ideal venue for trialling potential telecommunications applications, services and devices to mobile digital devices.

He added: "This is the first stage of range of future digital trials that may see WiFi extended across the whole waterfront and the emerging technology of [mobile] WiMAX introduced."

McCann said the project had been supported by Tasmanian premier David Bartlett, "Whose interest and support were vital in allowing the project to develop in the planning stages." He said also that a number of local organisations had assisted in the project, including Tasports, Tourism Industry Council, Hobart City Council, Department of Justice, Hobart Travel Centre, Tassal, TMAG, Salamanca Arts Centre and Salamanca Traders Association.

McCann said a primary outcome of the project would be an understanding of the content and services being sought by Tasmanian consumers and visitors alike. "The project will also play an important role in supporting the ongoing physical redevelopment within the Hobart waterfront, by allowing wireless broadband connectivity to assist in the development of future applications to support new and innovative ways for the tourism, hospitality, retail, culture and heritage sectors to engage with visitors and locals alike."

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