New ‘surfing’ craze to hit Gold Coast from today

UPDATE TO MEDIA RELEASE BELOW

City of Gold Coast has today amended its requirement for free wi-fi users to log in via their Facebook accounts.

The change has come about after Facebook executives today confirmed they had privacy issues with their global site.

Lifestyle Chair Cr Hermann Vorster said Council would amend the feature on its wi-fi to allow users to access the wi-fi without having to log in through their Facebook sites.

"Only today, the Facebook CEO has confirmed that he is investigating privacy issues to do with Facebook and how it manages people's privacy. So if Facebook cannot guarantee the security of its users, it is best Council takes a cautionary approach and removes this feature from our free wi-fi. That is what we are doing right now.

"The change to our wi-fi log in page will be sorted in the next few days, meaning people will be able to access free Council wi-fi in our chosen precincts, without having to log in via Facebook.''

ORIGINAL RELEASE 

Locals, visitors and businesses will reap the benefits of free Wi-Fi on the Gold Coast from today.

Mayor Tom Tate launched the City’s first free high speed Wi-Fi at Broadbeach Mall. The precinct will house around 3000 accredited and non-accredited media during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The first release of free Wi-Fi is available to everyone within Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and Broadwater Parklands – simply turn on your Wi-Fi and connect.

The network has been made possible with 45 kilometres of 864-core fibre installed along the light rail route. The fibre follows the route from Helensvale to Broadbeach.

Mayor Tate said free Wi-Fi would deliver millions in free publicity for the city.

“Visitors will get to enjoy all the Gold Coast has to offer and stay connected to their hometown and families with free Wi-Fi that has the capacity for Skype calls and FaceTime,” Mayor Tate said.

“Not only is the Wi-Fi service free but it’s also fast – really fast. The Wi-Fi will allow users to download and upload photos and movies faster than the average Gold Coast home internet connection.”

Business owner Marlon Pirie said free Wi-Fi would enhance his restaurant’s customer experience.

“It’s a really exciting time to be running a business on the Gold Coast. It is fantastic that customers can connect from the restaurant and I can operate at no extra cost,” Mr Pirie said.

To maximise investment and deliver free W-Fi at no cost to ratepayers, the City has obtained a carrier licence under the Telecommunications Act 1997 to sell capacity to other carriers.

For information, visit goldcoastwayahead.com.au