Victoria has launched 24- hour free Wi-Fi network across Melbourne’s CBD today uplifting its reputation as Australia’s tech leader. Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade Philip Dalidakis and City of Melbourne’s Chief Digital Officer Michelle Fitzgerald announced the launch of country’s largest and fastest Wi-Fi network at Southern Cross Station.
The move is said to be as part of Andrew government's $11 million Victorian Free Wi-Fi Pilot. According to reports, visitors can use the VicFreeWiFi service within all Melbourne CBD train stations, the Bourke St Mall, Queen Victoria Market, South Wharf Promenade at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and city loop train stations from today. It is said that more access points will be switched on in the coming months.
“This is just another reason why Victoria is the country’s home of innovation and technology – we really do have the best of everything, not only in Melbourne but our regional cities as well. Whether visitors are coming into town to go shopping, eat in Melbourne’s famous laneways or head to the AFL Grand Final this long weekend, they’ll all be able to access and enjoy the fastest free Wi-Fi in the country,” said Philip Dalidakis after the launch of free Wi-Fi network.
Since December 2015 free trial runs were set up in Bendigo and Ballarat regions. Once the Melbourne network is complete, the VicFreeWiFi service will be the largest free public Wi-Fi network of its kind in the country. It will cover an area of 600,000 square meters across the three cities.
Reports say users will not need personal logins and that they will be able to access a maximum of 250 megabytes per device each day.
The initiative comes just a day ahead of the AFL Grand Final long weekend when Melbourne is expected to welcome thousands of footy fans.
