Timaru District Council and Timaru-based Internet service provider Vetta Online have just lit up a new, free public Wi-Fi network in Geraldine.

From today, anyone on the central section of Talbot Street (between Wilson Street and the Library) and around the sports grounds in Geraldine Domain can access 1GB of fast, free Wi-Fi every day.

Timaru District Chief Information Officer, Justin Bagust, said that with tourist numbers beginning to rise again it is a great service to offer both those visiting and local residents wanting to get connected.

“With fast, free Wi-Fi available in all our main towns as well as Caroline Bay Park, Aorangi Stadium, CBay & Timaru Airport, we must be one of the best connected districts in the country,” said Justin.

“With an increasing number of services and apps requiring cloud access in order to work, it’s great to have an option to avoid running down your mobile data.

“Having wi-fi covering one of our main tourist spots will be a valuable service for those visiting Geraldine and residents alike.

“It will help people connect with family all over the world and make it easier than ever to showcase what an amazing town Geraldine and our wider district is.”

Vetta Online Operations Manager, Shaun Fisher, said he was thrilled to be able to bring Geraldine online to the Free WiFi network as well as some innovations to make it one of the most sustainable networks in the country.

“Being Timaru’s locally based Internet provider, we’re always looking for ways to increase connectivity in our own community, and looking at ways we can innovate in delivering it.

“We’ve worked hard to construct a next-gen system for the Geraldine Free WiFi, consisting of in-house built units affixed to street poles and powered by solar and battery power to operate off-grid – giving the benefit of continued operation in a disaster scenario.

“This new location is bringing Geraldine the latest network hardware and systems to give users, residents and guests the best Public WiFi experience we can.”

Users can access the free Wi-Fi by choosing Vetta Free Wi-Fi on their device. 1GB per day is free, but for users needing more data, paid plans are available.

Free Wi-Fi is available in the following places around the district:

• Timaru CBD
• Caroline Bay
• Caroline Bay Trust Aoraki Centre
• Aoraki Park Events Centre
• Timaru Airport
• Temuka CBD
• Temuka Stadium/Domain
• Pleasant Point CBD
• Geraldine CBD
• Geraldine Domain & Sports Grounds
• As well as a fully portable trailer mobile unit available for community events

Areas in Geraldine covered by Wi-Fi: