Council agrees to Shaw proposal to provide more public Wi-Fi

NEWS — It will be easier to get Wi-Fi around the downtown area thanks to a deal between the City and Shaw Communications.

Council approved today a plan to beef up Shaw’s Wi-Fi connections in and on city property for guest access.

Staff said 30 modems were approved for the last budget for installation in City buildings and many are now in use. However, gaps still exist.

A report said capacity limits are a problem in large buildings such as Interior Savings Centre and the Tournament Capital Centre.

“During large events, upwards of 1,000 simultaneous connections can be requested, which overloads the system,” it said.

Coun. Nelly Dever wanted to know why the proposal wasn’t coming forward for approval under the City’s supplementary budget.

“We’re not asking for any money,” responded information technology director Tony Klancar.

He said the $96,000 cost of the 74 new modems would be borne by Shaw, which would own the equipment.

Dever also wanted to know why he was proposing a free service to the public rather than charging for it.

“We feel it’s a more even way of offering the service,” said Klancar, rather than restricting it to Shaw customers.

The agreement with Shaw will be for five years, with the possibility of renewal for another five.