Free WiFi is now available in downtown Peterborough.
The new wireless network is the first phase of a public outdoor wireless internet initiative from the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA).
“In 2014 we held a strategic planning session with our members and public WiFi was named as one of our top five priorities,” says Terry Guiel, DBIA Executive Director. “This network will be a big asset for our businesses as well as the patrons who support our local businesses.”
The wireless project is supported by Community Futures Peterborough, Peterborough Utilities Group, and Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development.
“Peterborough Utilities Group is pleased to be part of the Downtown WiFi project,” says David Whitehouse, Peterborough Utilities Group Vice-President Customer/Corporate Services and Conservation Officer. “We hope that visitors to the downtown core will find this service to be convenient and enhance the experience of their time spent in our downtown businesses and our city.”
The first phase of the network covers some of the highest-traffic areas downtown, including sections of Hunter, Charlotte, and George streets.
To use the free service, look for the “DowntownPTBO WiFi” network on your mobile device. Selecting the network will bring you to a landing page where you can log in by agreeing to the terms of service. No password is necessary and it is 100% free to use.
“Access to public WiFi is becoming a priority for the business community as well as the thousands of tourists that visit Peterborough and the Kawarthas every year,” adds Rhonda Keenan, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development President and CEO. “Downtown Peterborough already has a lot to offer, but this will give visitors yet another reason to come and enjoy this beautiful city.”
While the free WiFi was officially launched today (May 30), the network has already been operating in various forms for the past two months. Despite no public advertisement, 30,000 logins have already been made on the network.
“Access to public WiFi is becoming a priority for the business community as well as the thousands of tourists that visit Peterborough and the Kawarthas every year,” says Rhonda Keenan, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development President and CEO. “Downtown Peterborough already has a lot to offer, but this will give visitors yet another reason to come and enjoy this beautiful city.”
In addition to the free WiFI, the Peterborough DBIA has also launched a mobile app for Android and iOS devices, which provides information and business information for downtown Peterborough. The app was developed by Peterborough company acorn30.
The app is available for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
