Stay connected thanks to Frankston City Council

Locals and visitors can stay connected at key sites and public buildings across our municipality thanks to Frankston City Council’s investment in free Wi-Fi.

North East Ward Cr David Asker said the Council is proud to announce it has invested approximately $230,000 to upgrade and expand the free Wi-Fi network across Frankston City at 12 publicly accessible locations.

“Connectivity has never been more important, particularly post lockdown, with residents and visitors turning to reliable sources of information including Council’s website and social media platforms for updates.

“Council has worked hard to support the Frankston City community through the Coronavirus pandemic through our $7.038 million Relief and Recovery Package. The Wi-Fi upgrade and expansion is a great outcome and further enhances liveability, communication and customer experience at significant sites that are well loved and used,” Cr Asker said.

Cr Asker added: “This enables residents and visitors to have fast and free Wi-Fi accessibility while they consume and enjoy Council services.”

Free Wi-Fi has been upgraded and expanded at Carrum Downs Library, Frankston Library and forecourt, Seaford Library and Seaford Community Centre, Frankston Youth Resource Centre, Visitor Information Centre, Mahogany Rise Child and Family Centre, Frankston Civic Centre, Frankston Arts Centre and Cube 37, Frankston North Community Centre, Frankston South Community Centre, Ebdale Community Centre and Langwarrin Customer Service.

Council Director Business Innovation and Culture, Shweta Babbar, said the Council is developing a Smart Cities framework to strengthen the foundations enabling improved connectivity and real time data collection.

“Our vision is to realise Frankston’s potential as a thriving, sustainable city where technology, innovation and data fuels opportunity, inclusion and engagement for our community,” Ms Babbar said. 

Ms Babbar said the Council is looking forward to announcing more initiatives as part of Smart Cities.

Frankston City Libraries Manager, Tammy Beauchamp, said: “Our members told us in our recent library survey how much they value the Wi-Fi at our library branches.

“In the past two months, the library Wi-Fi has been accessed more than 3200 hours by members across our branches and with 13 per cent of the Frankston City community not having access to the internet at home, the library is vital to fill this gap.

“Our library members have told us that the Wi-Fi has enabled them to set up businesses, study, connect with family members overseas and even apply for permanent residency.

“Council’s Wi-Fi upgrade across the library branches has provided our more than 55,000 members fast and reliable Wi-Fi to access vital services including job applications, internet banking, emails and enhances their safe and quiet space away from home,” Ms Beauchamp said.

Local student Tahnii said she enjoys dropping into Frankston Library to study and access a range of information for assignments and projects via the free Wi-Fi.

Tahnii, who meets up with school friends at the library, said the upgraded and expanded Wi-Fi is fast and reliable.