15 Dec, 2021

Free high speed Wi-fi to be rolled out across Adelaide

A new high speed Wi-Fi service will be rolled out across Adelaide city with the Australian Government, City of Adelaide and TPG Telecom partnering to deliver a state-of-the-art system under the Adelaide City Deal.

The new “ADLFree powered by TPG Telecom” Wi-Fi network will replace existing infrastructure with high-speed fibre optics to better meet user expectations of reliability and network performance across the city.

More than 250 wireless access points will power the new Wi-Fi network, expanding wireless internet coverage and access across the city and many of its iconic sites including the Adelaide Central Markets, the Art Gallery of South Australia, the SA State Library and the bustling bars and restaurants of Peel Street.

The network will be utilising the latest in high-tech Wi-Fi networking equipment and infrastructure, and the project will be owned and operated by TPG Telecom for the next five years.

The new system is expected to be ready for use in the next 12 months.

ADLFree powered by TPG Telecom is a $4.8 million project jointly funded by the Australian Government and City of Adelaide as part of the $699 million Adelaide City Deal.

The City Deal is a 10-year agreement between the Australian and South Australian governments and the City of Adelaide to grow Adelaide as an innovative and vibrant city.

For more information on the Adelaide City Deal visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/city-deals/adelaide.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP:

“This important project will upgrade and expand the current Wi-Fi infrastructure with high-speed fibre optics and 25 percent more access points than the previous system, making fast and reliable communication available throughout Adelaide CBD and improving the visitor experience.

“Delivering smart city technology and infrastructure is a key priority of the $699 million Adelaide City Deal, which is helping to support the growth of businesses and jobs and position Adelaide as a

Authorised by the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Sydney.

liveable, innovative city.”

Quotes attributable to Lord Mayor of Adelaide, Sandy Verschoor:

“ADLFree powered by TPG Telecom will be an integral service for the community as Adelaide prepares to welcome back more tourists and international students, whilst also servicing the needs of all city users and residents.

“Not only will the new Wi-Fi assist businesses in the CBD and help position Adelaide as a leading centre of investment, but the free service will also be essential for lower socio-economic groups and people experiencing homelessness.

“The project will build on the newly installed Ten Gigabit Adelaide fibre network, to deliver a high performing wireless broadband service which will be reliable and user-friendly with improved download speeds across a greater area of the city and North Adelaide, through an expanded footprint around retail, business, education and medical precincts.”

Quotes attributable to SA Premier:

South Australia is going from strength to strength, not only are we the most liveable city in the country, we have the fastest growing economy across Australia and initiatives such as these are going to propel us even further.

“Our $699 million Adelaide City Deal is taking South Australia to new heights and I thank the Federal Government and Adelaide City Council for working with my Government to sign off and deliver important projects such as this.”

Quotes attributable to TPG:

“The ADLFree powered by TPG Telecom Wi-Fi network will be the largest, free, city-wide Wi-Fi network in Australia and will deliver greater speed, capability and reliability for the people of Adelaide and its visitors,’ said TPG Telecom Group Executive Enterprise and Government Jonathan Rutherford.

“We are thrilled to work with the City of Adelaide to build and operate this essential piece of urban infrastructure and look forward to collaborating with more cities, councils and businesses to bring the benefits of connectivity to more parts of Australia in the future.”

Jack Berketa