Free wi-fi for Bondi
A two-year trial of free wi-fi at Bondi Beach and Bondi Park is set to be implemented by December after Waverley Council reached a unanimous decision last week.
The move aims to enhance city management, public safety and increase a sense of belonging for locals and tourists in the Bondi precinct. Councillor Sally Betts said it is a matter of ironing out minor details before free wi-fi is implemented.
“At this stage we are weeks away from its implementation,” she said. “The [Bondi Precinct] Committee will go back to Council in ten days, and we are hoping to have it approved then. There are still a few more issues and questions that need to be ironed out and negotiated; however, they are not insurmountable.”
The service will be free for consumers and include limits on access periods and downloads per user, with an estimated usage time frame of one hour to 90 minutes. Set up costs are estimated at $34,000 to $50,000, with an additional $25,000 per year for ongoing support.
“There is a cost to set up a service, but the provider will be able to recoup these costs through advertising on-the-flash landing pages,” said Ms Betts.
The Bondi Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous local cafes and restaurants, unanimously support the notion. Free wi-fi is viewed as beneficial for attracting a large audience to public spaces in Bondi.
Weekend manager of Organic Republic Bakery in Bondi, Dan Codyre said free wi-fi is a positive initiative, allowing local residents and visitors to connect with businesses and each other.
“Technology is the way of the future,” he said. “Providing free internet access will be fantastic for tourists and locals. Aside from shops and traditional retailers, there are many creative people who work outdoors at the Bondi Market … it will be convenient for them to be able to log on to the internet while working outdoors.”
Free wi-fi studies locally and overseas indicate a positive impact on revenue and customer numbers, with internet connectivity providing the potential to improve the quality of the residential and visitor experience.
Ms Betts said: “Tourists will also appreciate being able to connect … it will make things more convenient for everybody who uses the service. In the future, we also hope to extend the service to Bondi Junction.”
The move comes amid a broader move towards the use of free wi-fi as a marketing tool, with hotels widely looking to cease charging for the service. Global hotel group, Accor announced it plans to end wi-fi charges in response to customer dissatisfaction. A survey by Hotels.com revealed 38 per cent of travellers will not book a hotel unless wi-fi access is free of charge.
