Being busy and active doesn’t mean having to leave technology behind.
Building on an already extensive public wi-fi network, Tbaytel and the City of Thunder Bay on Thursday announced they’ve added four heavily trafficked sites to their coverage area, providing free Internet access to thousands of additional users.
The public hotspots will include the Current River Arena, city hall, West Thunder Community Centre and the 55 Plus Centre.
Beatrice Metzler, a board member at West Thunder Community Centre, said it’s a much desired addition that will allow users to stay connected to the world.
“They can enjoy what they’re doing there, get there business done, but still be connected to all the other things in their lives that are important to them,” Metzler said. “For us it’s very, very important.”
Given how attached people are to their smart phones, laptops and tablets, Metzler added she expects the addition of complimentary wireless access might increase the number of people who use her facility.
“People won’t have to make a choice as to whether to leave behind their connectivity to go to a program. They can have the best of both worlds,” she said.
Tbaytel CEO Dan Topatigh says the move is great for all residents of Thunder Bay.
The municipally owned utility has been running free hotspots in several locations for years, including Fort William Gardens and the Tournament Centre.
They’ve also partnered with several restaurants and coffee shops and both curling clubs to bring wireless to their customers.
It’s just the beginning, Topatigh said.
“Moving forward we’ll continue to increase our investment in wi-fi deployment. You’ll see more sites popping up in high-traffic areas of the community. Our plan for 2014 capacity is to enhance it at Marina Park. Hot spots at the Community Auditorium will be announced, additional recreation areas like golf courses and community centres too,” he said.
Mayor Keith Hobbs said it’s all tied into the city’s strategic plan to have a smart, connected community.
“Just the technological age that we’re in, it’s great to be able to go anywhere and access wi-fi,” Hobbs said.
The mayor added the free hotspots will also help keep Tbaytel competitive.
