A plan to spread a free Wi-Fi network across Canberra has fallen well behind schedule due to light pole problems.
The network, being set up by iiNet – now part of TPG – was expected to have more than 700 Wi-Fi hotspots operating by June this year. But the ACT’s Chief Minister has revealed that only 174 sites have so far been established.
A further 76 access points are expected to be rolled out by the end of October, leaving the rollout still 450 sites short of the June target, his report says.
A spokesman for the Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development Directorate (CMTEDD) said the rollout had been delayed due to upgrades to light poles where the access points were being installed.
The network is expected to provide free Internet access in 12 of the territory’s major business districts, at a cost of around $4 million.
