Public Wi-Fi

Connect and roam free, free Wi-Fi is now available. Connect to the Launceston WiFi network to enjoy

The City of Launceston is pleased to offer residents and visitors access to free public Wi-Fi in over 50 hot spots across the municipality including the CBD, selected parks and community spaces.

Background

The City of Launceston Public Wi-Fi initiative started as a service supporting tourism, however the need for free public Wi-Fi in particular suburbs with less access to the internet was soon recognised.

In 2018 the project received a significant boost with grant funding secured via The City Heart Project, a Launceston City Deal Commitment. The City Heart Project allowed for network coverage to be extended across the whole CBD including paths that visitors may take to the CBD. The network was made more robust, applying project learnings and community feedback.

In 2020 the network was further extended with support from the My Place My Future program, also a Launceston City Deal Commitment. The My Place My Future program has a goal of improving the liveability of the seven Northern Suburbs in Launceston through infrastructure, public spaces, transport and supporting improved lifestyle, social & economic outcomes for the community.

During 2020, multiple hotspots were activated in Invermay, Mowbray, Waverley and Mayfield. More recently hotspots have been activated in Ravenswood, Rocherlea, Churchill Park and the Heritage Forest Community Garden.

A hallmark of the Public Wi-Fi initiative is the continuous engagement with the community, and the My Place My Future expansion enabling the new hotspots to be deployed in areas the community deemed there was the most need. Throughout the deployments, the ongoing partnership between the community and the Council led to extensive promotion, feedback, and shared learnings.

A recent survey found that the top four purposes for using Public Wi-Fi include:

  • searching for employment
  • accessing government services (e.g., MyGov)
  • connecting with family
  • engaging in education or training

These activities rank higher than streaming services, online shopping, and general web browsing.

The Public Wi-Fi network has grown to include 50+ wireless access points across the city, averaging over 1500 unique devices connecting each day.

Find a Wi-Fi hotspot

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The City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood, and Migrant Resource Centre Manager Mark Deverell attended the 'Community Garden Launch' event at Heritage Forest Community Garden, 23 February 2024.

 

Image: City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood, and Migrant Resource Centre Manager Mark Deverell attended the 'Community Garden Launch' event at Heritage Forest Community Garden, 23 February 2024. Photo: City of Launceston.

 

Torren's Street Park in Mayfield during an event called Peeps in the Park which was coordinated by the Northern Suburbs Community Centre, May 2021.

 

Image: Torren's Street Park in Mayfield during an event called 'Peeps in the Park' which was coordinated by the Northern Suburbs Community Centre, May 2021. Photo: City of Launceston.

 

 

Media releases:

Northern Suburbs Wi-Fi artwork created by the community(PDF, 7MB)

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